COLAGE released the following statement regarding Kim Davis’s petition to the U.S. Supreme Court:
Kim Davis, the former Kentucky county clerk who refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples in 2015, is now resurfacing with a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court to revisit and overturn Obergefell v. Hodges. In this most recent appeal, Davis is once again attempting to use her narrow legal dispute over alleged “emotional distress” claims as a way to roll back marriage equality, completely disregarding the actual emotional distress her own actions continue to cause COLAGErs and our families across the country. To be clear, the Court has already rejected similar arguments, and we are confident that this petition will be similarly rejected.
“It was a surreal moment when I found out marriage equality passed in 2015. I was raised by two moms, and I always knew that our family was legitimate and no different from anyone else, but the fact that we were not legally recognized the same way as others made me feel like our family was less-than. Marriage equality was a huge step forward, and I’m heartbroken to think that kids like me in families like mine might have to go back to feeling the way I did growing up if this ruling is overturned.”
– Jordan Polcyn-Evans, COLAGE Program Manager
More than 1.6 million Americans are married to a spouse of the same sex, with many raising children in loving homes. There is no reason, legal or moral, to revisit a decision that has had such a positive impact on COLAGErs, their families, and the country at large. While it is clear that this is a significant threat, we must remain steadfast as a community and meet the moment.
“I was 12 when I walked my mom down the aisle. When my mothers finally married after years of legal denial, it was emotional. But it didn’t change what we already knew: that we have always been a family. While the vulnerability of Obergefell is highly devastating, our families must remember that we control what makes a family.”
– Katie Christian, COLAGE Board Member
COLAGE stands with all queerspawn and our families in rejecting this baseless attempt to undo progress. Our lives, our histories, and our futures are not bargaining chips in political games. We exist, we contribute, and we will continue to fight for the protections that ensure every child and parent in our community can do the same.
Read our collaborative document on protecting your LGBTQ+ family for more information on what you can do right now to safeguard your loved ones. Learn more about COLAGE and our work, and help support us as we continue to provide community and empowerment for people with LGBTQ+ parents/caregivers.
###