Freedom to Marry Good for Everyone in California

Today the California Supreme Court issued a monumental ruling recognizing the legal right of same-sex couples to marry. The Transgender Law Center celebrates this victory for the entire lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Today’s historic decision for marriage equality is a remarkable gain for California’s transgender community.

“Today’s ruling ensures that all families, regardless of gender, will be respected,” said Masen Davis, Executive Director of the Transgender Law Center. “We are so proud of our friends at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and their partners, for achieving this incredibly victory for our communities.”

Today’s ruling creates marriage equality by removing gender as criteria for a valid marriage. For transgender people, who sometimes have to struggle for recognition of their legal sex, this bill offers tremendous security.

“All too often, we hear from transgender people who worry about their ability to protect their children and their partners if the state were to fail to recognize the validity of their marriage,” said Kristina Wertz. “Today’s ruling is a huge step in putting those concerns to rest.”

“California is a state that believes in equality,” said Davis. “Recognizing relationships regardless of gender is a crucial step toward full equality for LGBT Californians.”

The Transgender Law Center (TLC) is a civil rights organization advocating for transgender communities. TLC uses direct legal services, education, community organizing, and advocacy to transform California into a state that recognizes and supports the needs of transgender people and their families. http://www.transgenderlawcenter.org

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For further information contact:

Masen Davis, Executive Director
(415) 738-6168
masen [at] transgenderlawcenter.org

Kristina Wertz, Legal Director
(415) 865-0135
kristina [at] transgenderlawcenter.org