Philadelphia, PA May 20, 2014…The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) welcomed today’s court decision overturning Pennsylvania’s Defense of Marriage Act calling it, “A major step forward in the quest for equal rights for all.” A federal judge held that the ban unconstitutionally denies Pennsylvania’s same-sex couples the fundamental freedom to marry. The order directs the commonwealth to allow same-sex couples to marry and to recognize valid out-of-state marriages. Nancy Baron-Baer, ADL Philadelphia Interim Regional Director, issued the following statement:
”We are pleased by the Court’s decision supporting the right of same-sex couples to marry, and welcome this reaffirmation of equal treatment and protection for all. No American should be denied access to the benefits of civil marriage because of his or her sexual orientation. This decision is a major step forward in the quest for equal rights and freedom from discrimination for all Pennsylvania residents.”
ADL had previously advocated against Pennsylvania’s Defense of Marriage Act citing that the refusal to marry lesbian and gay couples or recognize their out-of-state marriages violates the fundamental right to marry as well as the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. ADL has long supported efforts to extend all the rights, protections and benefits of civil marriage to all couples.
The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry. Click to learn more about ADL’s advocacy for LGBT rights. Follow us on Twitter: @ADLPhiladelphia