Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee and a Vice Chair of the House LGBT Equality Caucus, issued this statement in response to today's Supreme Court's ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which held that state bans on same-sex marriage violate the U.S. Constitution's guarantee of due process and equal protection under the law:

“As a Vice Chair for the House Equality Caucus, but more importantly as a husband, as a father, and as an American, I am overjoyed by today’s Supreme Court decision in which recognizes the freedom of all Americans to marry and have that marriage recognized by all 50 states. Today will be remembered as a historic leap forward in our nation’s ongoing march for the equality and justice for all Americans. 

"I am so proud to know that today’s children and future generations of Americans will grow up in a country that recognizes the dignity and equality of every family, and the right of all Americans – regardless of their race or sexual orientation or gender identity – to marry the person they love, wherever they live.

"As we celebrate today’s historic victory, we must recommit ourselves to the ongoing fight for equality under the law for LGBT Americans, who all too often face harsh discrimination in their daily lives. I hope this decision gives Congress new momentum  to pass comprehensive civil rights legislation that will protect our LGBT friends, family members, and colleagues from discrimination at work, in school, and in our communities.”