Jim Obergefell, whose case won marriage for same-sex couples at the Supreme Court, just endorsed Hillary Clinton.
Hillary Clinton can chalk up another endorsement, but this one is particularly important to the LGBT community. Jim Obergefell has just announced he is endorsing Clinton to be the Democratic nominee and the next President of the United States.
“I’m thrilled to endorse Hillary Clinton for President of the United States,” Obergefell told The New Civil Rights Movement in an exclusive email conversation Monday.
“Secretary Clinton has the experience, knowledge, and drive to lead our country not just here at home, but across the globe. The LGBTQ community’s fight for equality has always relied on changing hearts and minds, and I appreciate her evolution on issues that matter to and affect our community. I respect elected officials who are open to new ideas and information, because the only way we move forward as a country and people is by embracing new ways of thinking that embrace all Americans.”
Obergefell’s remarks may be in response to Bernie Sanders and his supporters, who have been lauding him as having “always” supported marriage equality, which is a somewhat generous characterization.
Obergefell v. Hodges is the case that decided same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry, one of the most important civil rights cases in the nation’s history. Obergefell, far from a spotlight seeker, has quietly spent time since the June ruling making speeches and appearing at events, including being given several awards. This weekend Obergefell accepted Equality Florida’s Voice for Equality Award.
In a press release issued by the Clinton campaign, Obergefell noted that “now we need a President who will help us fight to eliminate the injustices that occur regularly in our community, and the best person to do that is Hillary Clinton.”
He called Clinton a “proven leader who will not only ensure that states are implementing marriage equality, but will work to end discrimination in our community whether it’s by passing the Equality Act or through state measures.”
Obergefell is an Ohio resident. His governor, John Kasich, is running for the Republican nomination for president.
“I refuse to let Republicans undo the progress that we’ve made,” said Obergefell, an Ohio resident whose governor, John Kasich, is running for the Republican nomination for president. He added, “that is why we need Hillary Clinton in the White House because she will be by our side as we break down barriers and finally reach full equality for all.”
Clinton, in response, said, “Jim made history and changed America for the better by fighting for marriage equality all the way to the Supreme Court.â€
“There are still too many places where LGBT Americans are targeted for harassment and violence, and there are too many young people who are uncertain and scared of what their future might hold. Right now in America, you can get married on Saturday and be fired from your job on Monday just because of who you love. I see the injustices that are happening in our country, and that is why I’m committed to working with Jim and others to end discrimination against the LGBT community once and for all.â€
Â
Image via Jim Obergefell, used by permission
Photo by Emma Parker Photography
Â
Â