WASHINGTON – The Asian American Center for Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice) – composed of Asian American Institute, Asian American Justice Center, Asian Law Caucus and Asian Pacific American Legal Center – applauds President Barack Obama’s support of marriage equality for all couples, whether same-sex, different-sex, or transgender.

“President Obama’s support for marriage equality is deeply rooted in his commitment to his family and all families in America,” said Mee Moua, president and executive director of the Asian American Justice Center. “We are thrilled that the president has helped to move the nation forward to a more fair and equitable society for everyone.”

Strong advocates of equality and justice for all, Advancing Justice was instrumental in last year’s repeal of the U.S. military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy;  passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT)-inclusive law; and fighting against California’s Proposition 8 that violates the Constitution’s equal protection clause.

“No American should be prevented from the basic civil and human right to marry due to their sexual orientation,” said Stewart Kwoh, president and executive director of the Asian Pacific American Legal Center. “The president’s affirmation is a major step forward for marriage equality for all regardless of race, gender, religion or sexual orientation.”

Advancing Justice will continue to urge legislators to join the president, vice president and others to support full marriage equality for all.

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The Asian American Institute (www.aaichicago.org) is one of the leading pan-Asian nonprofit organizations in the Midwest, dedicated to empowering the Asian American community through advocacy, by utilizing research, education, and coalition-building. The Asian American Institute, Asian American Justice Center, Asian Law Caucus, and Asian Pacific American Legal Center are members of the Asian American Center for Advancing Justice.