FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2014
CONTACT: Lindsay Kee, ACLU-TN communications director, 615-320-7142
CINCINNATI — Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit will hear oral arguments in six marriage equality cases from the four states in the Circuit, including Tennessee. The Sixth Circuit becomes the third Circuit Court of Appeals to hear marriage equality cases since the United States Supreme Court’s struck down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in June 2013.
Since the Supreme Court issued its opinion last year, 34 federal, district, and state courts have issued decisions supporting the freedom to marry in states across the country, including Tennessee, Utah, Ohio, Colorado, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kentucky, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
This summer, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals have both issued decisions, holding that same-sex couples have a fundamental right to marry.
The following can be attributed to Hedy Weinberg, ACLU-TN executive director:
“This afternoon, loving couples from Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, and Michigan will ask the Sixth Circuit to ensure that their right to marry is protected. The couples standing together today are entitled to the same dignity, respect, and protections as others who have the freedom to marry. It is now time for the Sixth Circuit Court to ensure that all families will be guaranteed equal protection and treatment under the law.”
The Tennessee case, Tanco v. Haslam, was filed by attorney Abby Rubenfeld. The American Civil Liberties Union and the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee filed an amicus brief in this case, which can be found here.
Learn more about the cases at www.6thCircuit.org.
