Press Releases

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) led lawmakers in introducing a resolution to officially declare June 26 as a national “Equality Day.” The resolution commemorates the anniversary of three historic Supreme Court victories that have played a pivotal role in advancing LGBTQ+ equality. 

Over the past two decades, the Supreme Court has handed down three landmark decisions on June 26, combatting LGBTQ+ discrimination, upholding the dignity of same-sex couples, and moving our nation closer to a more perfect union. 

• Lawrence v. Texas (2003): The Court ruled that states could no longer criminalize the private and intimate conduct of same-sex couples, invalidating discriminatory laws in place across more than a dozen states. 
• United States v. Windsor (2013): The Court overturned Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act and ruled that legally married same-sex couples are entitled to the same rights, benefits, and protections provided by marriage under federal law. 
• Obergefell v. Hodges (2015): The Court ruled that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry. 

“Since 2003 our nation has witnessed historic Supreme Court victories advancing LGBTQ+ equality and combatting discrimination,” said DelBene. “Despite these successes, the LGBTQ+ community still encounters violence, discrimination, and inequality in many forms of life. Making June 26 as ’Equality Day’ will demonstrate our ongoing commitment to honoring this important community in the American tapestry, ending discrimination, and reminding everyone that love wins.”

The full text of the resolution is available here.