DNC Chair Tom Perez and LGBTQ Caucus Chair Earl Fowlkes released the following statement on the anniversaries of the Supreme Court’s decisions in Obergefell v. Hodges, United States v. Windsor, and Lawrence v. Texas:

“Five years ago, the Supreme Court recognized the inherent dignity in every person and expanded marriage equality to all Americans. This decision joined a host of landmark victories for LGBTQ+ equality handed down during Pride Month, most recently recognizing the right to work free of harassment and discrimination. We live in a more just, equal, and fair society today thanks to the activism of LGBTQ+ people across the United States who spoke their truth, challenged the status quo, and refused to back down.

“We still have a long way to go on the path toward full equality, especially in the fight to protect and defend the most vulnerable, including trans women of color, LGBTQ+ homeless youth, and others who face discrimination and life-threatening bigotry. You don’t have to look far to see that intolerance personified at the highest levels of our government: Trump’s administration has stripped away rights for and effectively legalized discrimination against LGBTQ+ Americans in education, health care, housing, and the military. Just two weeks ago, the Republican National Committee endorsed a platform that calls for overturning gay marriage and legalizing anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination. It is impossible to imagine the same White House Donald Trump now resides in once lit up in rainbow colors to celebrate the advancement of equality for all.

“We must elect Joe Biden to restore the federal government’s moral leadership and champion LGBTQ+ rights. Vice President Biden is an unshakeable ally of the LGBTQ+ community and his call for marriage equality was historic. As president, he will expand protections from discrimination by signing the Equality Act, enforce civil rights laws, support LGBTQ+ youth, and combat violence against transgender and gender non-conforming people. He had the LGBTQ+ community’s back on marriage, and he will have their back as president.”