WASHINGTON, DC - After the U.S. Supreme Court issued decisions relating to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in U.S v. Windsor and California's Proposition 8 in Hollingsworth v. Perry, Mary Kay Henry, International President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), issued the following statement:

The Supreme Court's historic 5-4 decision finding DOMA unconstitutional is a huge cause for celebration for gay and lesbian couples and for all Americans who care about equal justice under the law. This ruling means that gay and lesbian couples will have access to federal benefits and protections that they have been denied for too long, such as the right to access healthcare, pension and Social Security survivor benefits.

"The Court's decision to dismiss California's Proposition 8 for lack of standing is another major victory for gay and lesbian couples and for equal rights. By affirming the lower court's ruling that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional, now all Californians will have the right to marry whomever they choose.

"Despite this historic day for LGBT rights, we must remember that there is more work to do to ensure equality for all Americans. In 29 states a person can still be fired simply because of who he or she loves. Passing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act is the next fight we must take on if we are truly going to ensure equality on the job for all Americans and we look forward to joining with our allies to end discrimination in the workplace."

"

###