American Foundation for Equal Rights

Marriage News Blog

U.S. Government Calls on Supreme Court to Recognize Marriage Equality

Post by Adam Umhoefer, Executive Director

Today, Solicitor General Donald B. Verrilli, Jr., filed a brief on behalf of the United States Government as amicus curiae, or “friend of the Court,” in support of AFER’s Plaintiffs challenging California’s Proposition 8.

The brief urges the Supreme Court to affirm the landmark federal court of appeals ruling that upheld the decision of the federal district court that found Proposition 8 unconstitutional. Read the brief below or download it here.

The Government’s action today is a powerful statement that Proposition 8 cannot be squared with the principles of equality upon which this nation was founded. It is an unprecedented call to action by our Government that it is time to recognize gay and lesbian Americans as full and equal citizens under the law.

AFER looks forward to having Solicitor General Verrilli and the Federal Government by our side as we make the case for marriage equality for all before the Supreme Court.

As President Obama eloquently explained in his recent Inaugural Address:

“Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law. For if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well.” 

I hope you’ll support our case with a donation before March 26—when AFER’s legal team, led by distinguished co-counsel Ted Olson and David Boies, will present oral argument before the Court. Click here to make a donation and support our case for full federal marriage equality.