Sen. Brown Statement on Supreme Court's Decision to Hear Case on Same-Sex Marriage

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the announcement that the U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case determining whether the Constitution grants same-sex couples the right to legally marry, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today issued the following statement in support of same-sex marriage:

“A growing majority of Americans supports extending full civil rights to our LGBT family, friends, and neighbors,” Brown said. “It’s time for the courts to recognize that marriage equality is a right guaranteed by the Constitution’s promise of equality for all Americans.”

Brown is a long-time supporter of marriage equality. He is one of a handful of sitting senators who voted against the controversial Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in 1996 – during his service as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Earlier this month, Brown co-sponsored the Respect for Marriage Act, legislation that would fully repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and ensure equal federal recognition for legally-married, same sex couples – even if they live in non-marriage equality states.

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