Atlanta, Georgia. – The Atlanta Pride Committee (APC) released a statement today regarding this week’s landmark rulings by the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS.)
Atlanta Pride Committee Board Chair Glen Paul Freedman said, “Pride celebrates the victories on DOMA and Prop 8 yesterday but recognizes that these victories are not sufficient for protecting all families including those here in Georgia. We are happy about the steps forward for federal protection for families in states where marriage is legal and in immigration equality.”
Freedman added, “We have a renewed commitment to the continued struggle for full equality both on the marriage front and other social justice fronts.”
The celebration around the decisions regarding marriage is tempered by the disappointment at the ruling on the Voting Rights Act (VRA.) The VRA was a hard-won civil rights statute and is arguably one of the most effective and equalizing pieces of legislation passed in the last 5-plus decades.
APC Board Vice-Chair, Jamie Green-Fergerson noted, “The Supreme Court decision on the VRA is especially disheartening for those of us here in Atlanta because that act is emblematic of the civil rights work done right here at home.”
Green-Fergerson continued, “Pride recognizes the loss of these voting safeguards as a loss for all of us but especially for communities of color in the South. While we laud the efforts around marriage, we remain vigilant in our advocacy against all social injustices including the decimation of the VRA on Tuesday.”
Freedman stated, “We stand with our allies in this movement, including Congressman Lewis, who has been at the forefront of the Civil Rights movement since it’s inception as well the many other individuals and organizations who lead in the fight against social injustice everywhere. We invite groups working for equality and justice (including marriage and voting) to join us for events throughout the year, to partner with us to create new events, and to participate in the Atlanta Pride Festival in October as we work to create a nation and a world of fairness and justice. “
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