WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL) issued the following statement after the Supreme Court allowed the District of Columbia’s same-sex marriage law to stand, making today the first day gay and lesbian couple can register for marriage licenses in D.C.:

“This morning, the lines at the Moultrie Court House told the story of equality—of men and women in loving and time-tested relationships discriminated against for all time, finally recognized by local law as committed partners.  They waited outside in line for hours, but in truth, they have been waiting their whole lives.

It is a joyous day both for these couples and for the gay community across the country, as the struggle for marriage equality has won its first victory south of the Mason Dixon line. I applaud the Supreme Court’s decision not to interfere with the new law of Washington, D.C., but I know the struggle continues.  Today, our ongoing march toward full civil rights took an important step, and I remain committed to achieving marriage equality for all Americans."