Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) praised the long-overdue U.S. Supreme Court decision that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry:

“This is a landmark ruling that puts the United States on the right side of history and makes a meaningful difference in the lives of millions of Americans,” DelBene said. “I’m pleased the Court recognized what Washingtonians have known for years — that love is love and all couples deserve equality under our laws.

“While this is a major victory, more must be done to end discriminatory laws and ensure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans. Our work is far from over and we need to continue fighting until all Americans have equal rights and protections.”

Washington state voted in 2012 to legalize same-sex marriage. But before today’s decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, 13 states still refused to recognize same-sex marriages, denying couples important rights and protections such as hospital visitations and death benefits. Before the oral arguments in April, DelBene joined more than 200 of her colleagues in signing an amicus brief with the Court in favor of full marriage equality. This Supreme Court ruling will bring marriage equality to all 50 states and the District of Columbia.