On Friday, a momentous decision by a federal judge in Asheville ruled North Carolina’s ban on gay marriage unconstitutional. Though revelry is justified, there is still much to be done to ensure true equality for all LGBTQ-identifying North Carolinians .
The legal proceedings leading up to the ruling against Amendment One were part of the Supreme Court’s decision not to hear a case from the 4th U.S. Circuit of Appeals Court in Virginia. It is worth remembering that without an impetus from the Supreme Court, same-sex couples in North Carolina would have nothing to celebrate. This is a victory for North Carolinians and all those who fought against Amendment One, but it is not reflective of state politicians’ desire for equality.
Rather than dragging its heels, North Carolina ought to lead the next great struggle for equality. According to the Center for American Progress Action Fund, North Carolina is one of 19 states that does not have a law in place to protect individuals from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Individuals who can now legally be married still face the possibility of harassment or even being fired from their job for speaking openly about their spouse.
State lawmakers ought to focus their priorities on ensuring that this fight does not end here. Anti-discrimination laws for the workplace and the right for same-sex couples to adopt children are two places where equality can and should be extended here and elsewhere. Even in the midst of celebration, we must plan to look ahead and recognize that there are more victories to be won.
