Family Equality, alongside LGBTQ+ families everywhere, mourn the loss of champion for equality, Justice Ginsburg, and vow to carry on her legacy
WASHINGTON, DC—Denise Brogan-Kator, Chief Policy Officer and CEO (Interim) of Family Equality, issued the following statement on the passing of Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, LGBTQ+ equality champion and the second woman to ever serve on the nation’s highest court:
“As the Talmud says, ‘Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly now, love mercy now, walk humbly now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.’
“The news of Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s passing on Friday brings our nation face to face with grief and fear. But her life and legacy set a clear path forward. Her entire career, on and off the Court, centered around protecting the rights of millions of Americans, including and especially LGBTQ+ individuals.
“In ruling after ruling, dissent after dissent, Justice Ginsburg stood for full equality for our families and our children. She never let the personal, political, or religious beliefs of adults trump the best interests of children and families. She famously advocated for “full milk” marriage rather than “skim milk” marriage for same-sex couples, with all the attending rights and responsibilities – nothing short of full equality for all was acceptable to her. We will profoundly miss her voice, including as the Supreme Court hears arguments on the Fulton v. City of Philadelphia case about equality for same-sex couples in foster care and adoption this fall.
“Family Equality joins the nation in grieving this loss. We extend our condolences to her family and loved ones. We vow that her memory will be a revolution. May she rest in power.
“Like her, we will not abandon the work. As we reel from a pandemic, state-sanctioned violence, and unjust policing, we will fight for a Supreme Court that is just and fair. Our health care, access to voting, education, reproductive rights, economic security, housing, disability rights, and our rights to live and love freely and fully are at risk.
“Four years ago, the Senate refused to hold confirmation hearings for President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee, Merrick Garland, given that it was a Presidential election year. If that was the principle at play then, so too should it be now. The next president must nominate Justice Ginsburg’s replacement after the people have spoken.
“In her final days, Justice Ginsburg told her granddaughter, Clara: ‘My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed.’ We must work now to grant her that final wish.”
About Family Equality
Family Equality advances legal and lived equality for LGBTQ+ families, and for those who wish to form them, through building community, changing hearts and minds, and driving policy change. Family Equality believes every LGBTQ+ person should have the right and opportunity to form and sustain a loving family, regardless of who they are or where they live. Learn more at familyequality.org.
# # #
Media Contact
Anna Libertin / Director of Communications
communications@familyequality.org
Contact Your Senators
Four years ago, the Senate refused to hold confirmation hearings for President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee, Merrick Garland, given that it was a Presidential election year. Click here to contact your Senator and urge them to uphold this principle.