June 26, 2015
Today marks a tremendous win for all Americans who believe in love, liberty and equality. With the Supreme Court’s decision, loving same-sex couples are now free to marry in all 50 states! It’s a history-making decision on an issue that has divided our nation for far too long, and we couldn’t be happier for our friends and family in the LGBT community.
What This Means for Couples
The Supreme Court’s ruling on the case in question, Obergefell v. Hodges, means that committed couples now have the freedom to marry in any state they call home. No longer will they lose out on basic benefits and fundamental rights. Adoption, social security, tax benefits, employment benefits and next of kin arrangements are just a few basic rights same-sex couples can now enjoy. With this historic decision, the fundamental rights and freedoms of marriage are now universal.
A Brief History
It was a long road to get here, and today’s win took a monumental amount of dedication from coast to coast. Vermont played a critical role early in the fight by becoming the first state to legalize civil unions in 2000. Massachusetts’s Supreme Court went one step further in 2003 by becoming the first state to rule in favor of gay marriage. From that point on, the momentum behind the movement indicated an inevitable Supreme Court decision; it was just a question of when.
I Dough, I Dough!
Ben & Jerry’s has been proudly committed to issues of social justice, including gay rights and marriage equality, for over 35 years. Back in 1989, we were the first company in Vermont to offer full benefits to same-sex partners of our employees. To see this chapter in U.S. history finally close is almost beyond belief. To celebrate the occasion, this summer we’re renaming our Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream 'I Dough, I Dough,' along with a special commemorative pint sleeve. Head over to the Human Rights Campaign where 100% of your purchase of 'I Dough, I Dough’ pint sleeves supports HRC’s fight for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. And while you're there, take a look at the latest news of the Supreme Court’s historic decision.
TAKE ACTION:
Find out how you can support the movement for LGBT rights. (Because after all the “I Dough”s are done, there’s still more stuff to do.)
LEARN MORE:
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization.
Ben & Jerry's believes in equality for everyone, everywhere — no matter who they are or who they love.