FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 26, 2013
Sterling, VA — The American Medical Student Association (AMSA) commends the decision announced by the United States Supreme Court, which ruled (5-4) that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional in the case United States vs. Windsor. In the case Hollingsworth vs. Perry, the Supreme Court did not directly rule on the constitutionality of California’s Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage. Instead, the Court sent the appeal back to the lower court with instructions to dismiss, leaving the district court’s earlier decision that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional currently in effect.
“Today marks a historic moment in the gay-rights movement, and AMSA praises the DOMA decision as a critical step toward reducing disparities faced by same-sex partners,” said Dr. Nida Degesys, AMSA national president. “Now, more than ever, we must continue advocating for equal rights. As the next generation of physicians in America, it is our responsibility to stand up for our patients. Marriage equality is fundamentally a public health issue, and we seek a fair and equitable healthcare system for everyone.” DOMA previously defined marriage at the federal level in a manner that excluded certain legal partnerships. Equal protection under the law requires that all individuals, including same-sex couples, receive the same benefits available to other legally married couples. The Supreme Court determined today that DOMA violates the Fifth Amendment by depriving individuals of equal liberty protections.
This ruling begins to eliminate substantial barriers same-sex couples encounter in securing health insurance coverage and accessing healthcare services. According to estimates from the Center for American Progress and the Williams Institute, same-sex couples who purchase health insurance coverage for a partner will save approximately $1,069 annually in federal taxes.
The Court’s decision regarding Proposition 8 returns the case to California, where state judges and top officials have declared that same-sex marriage is fundamentally an issue of equal rights. “We had hoped the Supreme Court would have delivered a stronger ruling, clearly declaring Proposition 8 unconstitutional and ensuring the right to marry for all couples,” Degesys continued. “Nevertheless, this ruling paves the way for same-sex marriage to resume in California. Today, we celebrate this progress, but tomorrow, our fight against institutionalized stigma and discrimination must continue. We must tirelessly advocate for equal rights for everyone.”
Recognizing civil marriage for all couples aligns with the broader goal of ending discrimination that negatively affects the health outcomes of gay and lesbian individuals, couples, and families. Allowing marriage decisions to vary state by state perpetuates a fragmented approach, ultimately failing to address the nation’s challenges comprehensively.
About the American Medical Student Association
AMSA is the oldest and largest independent association of physicians-in-training in the United States. Founded in 1950, AMSA is a student-governed, nonprofit organization committed to advocating for the concerns of physicians-in-training. To learn more about AMSA, our strategic priorities, or how to become involved, please visit www.amsa.org.