Statement by IGLHRC on the U.S. Supreme Court

For weeks and months to come, Americans will celebrate today’s historic ruling - a dream come true for tens of thousands of LGBTI community members and tens of thousands of their loved ones and extended family, clergy, teachers, employers and allies across the country.

Statement by Jessica Stern, Executive Director, International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission :

The United States has joined 20 other countries in recognition of the freedom to marry for same-sex couples nationwide*

And yet, our work is far from over – not in the United States and not around the world. Marriage equality is one slice of the pie, but homophobia and transphobia morph into different shapes in law and practice. Nearly 80 countries still criminalise same-sex intimacy and countless prohibit so-called “cross-dressing.” Name a country and almost daily, you will find grotesque acts of homophobia and transphobia.

With today’s victory, I hope that Americans will move into a new era in our movement for LGBTI rights. First, we must address those who are most vulnerable within this country, including transgender people in immigration detention. Second, I hope that we will join the global movement to fight intolerance and affirm fundamental dignity. That work must truly become our own, if we hope to achieve a world free and equal for all. Today is not an end but a new beginning.

*Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Canada, South Africa, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Iceland, Argentina, Denmark, France, Brazil, Uruguay, New Zealand, Britain, Luxembourg, Finland, Ireland, and Pitcairn Island), while Mexico and the United States have had regional or court-directed provisions enabling same-sex couples to share in the freedom to marry. In Slovenia, Parliament approved a marriage bill in March 2015 and is headed to the president’s desk. Many other countries provide some protections for such couples.