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Dear Friend,

Today was a truly monumental day. The U.S. Supreme Court decision that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry was long-overdue. 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.

I’m overjoyed that the Court recognized what Washingtonians have known for years — that love is love and all couples deserve equality under our laws.

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, I joined more than 200 of my colleagues in signing an amicus brief with the Court in favor of full marriage equality. I’m pleased this ruling will bring marriage equality to all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

While this is a major victory, our work is far from over. More must be done to end discriminatory laws and ensure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans. That’s why I recently helped introduce the Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act, the first federal bill aimed at preventing so-called “conversion therapy.”

In addition, employers can still fire LGBT Americans based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, and lenders can deny them credit based on who they are and who they love.  This is wrong, and I will continue fighting until all Americans have equal rights and protections.

As always, my office is here to serve you. If you have questions or comments about the topics that matter most to you, I encourage you to contact me through my website. You may also keep up-to-date on what I’m doing by following me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. If you need assistance dealing with a federal agency, such as the IRS or the VA, or if you are having problems with your Social Security or Medicare, please do not hesitate to contact my Bothell office at (425) 485-0085.

Sincerely,

Suzan