The plaintiff behind the Supreme Court case that legalized gay marriage this summer, James Obergefell, endorsed Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton on Monday.
“Hillary is a proven leader who will not only ensure that states are implementing marriage equality, but will work to end discrimination in our community whether it’s by passing the Equality Act or through state measures,” Obergefell said in a statement. “I refuse to let Republicans undo the progress that we’ve made, and that is why we need Hillary Clinton in the White House because she will be by our side as we break down barriers and finally reach full equality for all.”
Obergefell, a Cincinnati resident, made a case to be acknowledged as a surviving spouse in the wake of his husband’s 2013 death. The Supreme Court ruled in his favor, and for legal same-sex marriage, in June 2015. Since his case’s success, Obergefell has become a symbol for the movement.
Although Clinton did not come out in favor of same-sex marriage until 2013, her campaign claimed the victory as its own, championing the Supreme Court’s ruling as “a step in the right direction” and implementing a rainbow campaign logo. Clinton’s Democratic primary opponent, Martin O’Malley and Bernie Sanders, have both criticized her delayed acceptance of gay marriage.
Since the ruling Clinton has proposed the “Equality Act” which would prevent LGBT people from facing discrimination in the workplace, which she speaks about extensively on the campaign trail. The Democratic front-runner also spoke about her plans to champion LGBT people in office to the Human Rights Campaign, during its annual gathering in October.
“Jim made history and changed America for the better by fighting for marriage equality all the way to the Supreme Court,” Clinton said in response to the endorsement. “I see the injustices that are happening in our country, and that is why I’m committed to working with Jim and others to end discrimination against the LGBT community once and for all.”
