ST. CROIX — Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett has issued a statement following the landmark 5-4 U.S. Supreme Court decision in favor of same-sex marriage, making known that she too joins President Barack Obama in support of the high court’s ruling.
“Today’s 5-4 Supreme Court decision is no doubt a landmark in the progression of our democracy and has made it clear that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right in the United States,” Plaskett began. “As a lawyer who truly loves the law and in my personal growth as a Christian and also being a parent watching my own children and reflecting on our world today, I join President Obama in support of the Supreme Court’s decision.”
She added: “The matter of same-sex marriage has been adjudicated before the high court and it has decided that marriage is a right for all living under U.S. Jurisdiction. As a lawyer and as a member of our legislative branch of government, it is my hope that all will respect the court’s ruling.”
Plaskett said that in light of the Supreme Court’s ruling, the territory should now focus its energy on other pressing issues such as crime and reviving the economy.
“It is also my hope that back at home our community will now turn our focus and collective energies toward other important challenges including: reducing the rise in violence in our neighborhoods, creating more economic development and opportunity on our islands, improving the educational system for our children, and increasing the level of assistance for our elders and the mentally infirmed.
“These are some of the important challenges that we need to overcome if we are to prosper as a territory and a people. Indeed fighting for our children’s future, protecting our elders and handicapped…’caring for the least of these’ is one of our greatest Christian charges,” she concluded.
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