TLDEF Celebrates Historic U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Extending Marriage Protections to LGBT Couples Nationwide

New York, NY - June 26, 2015 - The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) joins millions of advocates across the nation in applauding the United States Supreme Court's landmark ruling extending the freedom to marry throughout the nation. The decision will improve the lives of tens of thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender families who have experienced tremendous hardship as a result of discriminatory restrictions on the freedom to marry.

Statement from TLDEF Executive Director Michael Silverman "Today fairness has won the day in America. The Supreme Court's ruling brings marriage equality to LGBT couples who will now have the same opportunity as all Americans to love, take care of, and be responsible for one another and their families. Those families, including the transgender families we serve, will no longer be denied the protections that all loving, committed couples and their families deserve.

"This decision caps off decades of tireless work by marriage equality advocates and allies, and courageous plaintiffs and attorneys, who have never wavered in the pursuit of justice. We applaud all who have made this day possible because they refused to give up hope or let momentum slip for even one moment.

"The tide continues to turn in favor of fairness for LGBT people with this momentous victory. Much was at stake for our community. The Supreme Court's decision will affect real people and families whose lives and well being will now be more fully protected."

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Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund is committed to ending discrimination based upon gender identity and expression and to achieving equality for transgender people through public education, test-case litigation, direct legal services, and public policy efforts.