Fight for justice doesn’t end with historic ruling on same-sex marriage

Friday’s historic U.S. Supreme Court ruling means that same-sex couples will now have the freedom to marry throughout our country, and LGBTQ citizens who are already married will be ensured recognition of their marriages across the borders in all 50 states.

This is a momentous win for freedom, equality, inclusion and above all, love.

Friday’s victory has brought joy to hundreds of thousands of same-sex couples and their families, many of whom have been dreaming about this day forever.

As we move into this new reality, we are reminded of the struggles we have overcome, the court cases that were the building blocks upon which the Supreme Court decision was made, and our individual and collective places in this essential part of civil rights history.

We also pause to reflect on the time in Hawaii just two short years ago when state lawmakers and the governor made a just and correct choice to extend legal rights to same-sex couples who wanted to commit their lives to one another. It was an inspirational and spirited journey that forever changed our communities.

But what happens when the issue of marriage equality is decided once and for all? What does a civil rights movement do when a critical issue, some would say "the" critical issue, is finally decided?

Equality Hawaii has some suggestions; however, we know it will take all of us, working together, to find the rest of the answers.

First, we say "mahalo" to the community and partners who have made this possible.

We honor our kupuna and recognize those visionary early activists, fearless champions who brought those early cases to trial, fair-minded legislators, our allies in the business, faith and nonprofit communities, and especially, our family and friends who stood by our side over the years as we’ve worked and fought for equality.

Second, we continue to hold publicly elected leaders accountable for their stances on equality and LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning) issues. Any elected leader — or voter with perspective — recognizes that as easily as a bill is enacted, a bill can also be changed. We need only reflect on the federal voting rights act and laws governing women’s rights over their bodies to see the effects of time on the consciousness and actions of community, elected leaders and courts.

While marriage equality is now legal nationwide, there are forces that will continue to seek exemptions under the guise of "religious freedom." We see this in places like Indiana and Arkansas and, unfortunately, also in our own state. There remain many communities still facing inequity and discrimination in Hawaii.

Which leads us to our last commitment: We will continue to fight for, and with those, who are under-represented and discriminated against.

Where does a civil rights movement go when it reaches its primary goal? We reach out, extend a hand, and pull our friends along with us; those who have been there since the beginning, those allies who are still marginalized, those communities who are still voiceless.

Marriage equality is a key part of the broader social justice fight in our country. Equal pay, equal access to health care, equal access to our justice system, equal rights for the transgender community, equal access to education, and, of course, the right to self-determination are all still needed.

There’s a saying: Once you stand, you are committed to walk. The Equality Hawaii ohana is ready to put on a new set of slippahs and keep on walking. We hope you will join us.