Happy December, League leaders!
This week marked the end of Native American Heritage Month. And still while the month is over, did you know that Mildred Loving, wife of Joel Edgerton, in the historic Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia, was 100% Native American?
The 1967 case struck down laws that prohibited marriage across color lines and the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court case which ruled that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples by both the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment have been discussed several times over the last few weeks. Why is this important?
1. Because it honors and includes Native American history in our collective history, and
2. The LWVUS —along with more than 350 national organizations—signed a letter ahead of this week’s passage of the Respect for Marriage Act in the United States Senate. With the passage, the country received a strong message that our leaders in Congress affirm the fundamental rights the aforementioned landmark cases secured, and it also provides reassurance for couples across the country who have faced discrimination due to the Defense of Marriage Act. This further ensures that all federal benefits are available to married couples no matter where they live and ensures that states give full faith and credit to all validly celebrated marriages.
Marriage is about love, commitment, and family.
Let’s continue to be courageous and brave as we continue to show our love and commitment to defending our democracy!
Speaking of Love, Commitment and Family, in December, let’s note or celebrate:
- 1: National World Aids Day
- 2: International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
- 13: International Universal Health Coverage Day
- 18: Hanukkah (through December 26)
- 25: Christmas
- 26: Kwanzaa (through January 1)
Resources:
- LWVUS Urges the Senate to Pass the Respect for Marriage Act
- "Indian" or "Native American" (Video)
- On the Declaration of Independence
- FAQ's: Bureau of Indian Affairs
