Same-sex marriage decision sparks Valley celebrations
Immediately after the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage across the country, people gathered at the LGBT Community Center of the Desert in Palm Springs for a news conference to applaud the decision.
“I think for people here in the Coachella Valley and people across the country, today is a historic day for everyone. For the first time in so many millions of people’s lives we’re now treated equally under the law in this country,” said Geoff Kors, government policy director from the National Center for Lesbian Rights.
The decision ends uncertainties same-sex couples have about where their marriage is valid.
Organizations involved in representing plaintiffs in landmark marriage equality cases lead the event including Kors, Roberta Conroy, treasurer of Lambda Legal and Andy Linsky from the Human Rights Campaign.
The LGBT advocates said there’s a lot to celebrate, but still a lot of work to be done.
“It’s going to be some work to make sure everywhere in the country the constitution and the decision today is followed, that’s always something that has to happen after historic decisions and we’re confident that will happen,” said Kors.
Kors said the fight for equal rights isn’t over.
“There are a lot of states where people can be fired for being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender or denied an apartment. After we celebrate tonight, tomorrow get back to work and we use the momentum. We use this decision to really push congress to pass a federal non-discrimination law that includes sexual orientation and gender identity,” said Kors.
Not everyone at the court supported the decision.
“We hope that millions of Americans who still believe that a marriage is one man and one woman will continue to proclaim that truth today,” said attorney Austin Nimocks.
