The Freedom of Loving

Forty-six years ago today, the U.S. Supreme Court legalized interracial marriage in its landmark Loving vs. Virginia decision. The resonance with the pending Supreme Court decision on marriage for same-sex couples is obvious—but there is another thing we should keep in mind as we reflect on the significance of this anniversary.

Namely, that racism and anti-miscegenation are unfortunately still alive and well today, as the recent backlash against a Cheerios ad featuring a multiracial couple made clear. Laws and attitudes do not always move in lockstep. Even as we fight for LGBT equality, therefore, we must continue working towards a more just world for all people, across the many overlapping aspects of our identities.

Once again, I also want to quote from Mildred Loving’s own statement of June 12, 2007, the 40th anniversary of the decision. Go read the whole thing if you have the time—it’s not that long. Then think about how we can continue the work she started, both to break down racial barriers and to give everyone the freedom to love.

Surrounded as I am now by wonderful children and grandchildren, not a day goes by that I don’t think of Richard and our love, our right to marry, and how much it meant to me to have that freedom to marry the person precious to me, even if others thought he was the “wrong kind of person” for me to marry. I believe all Americans, no matter their race, no matter their sex, no matter their sexual orientation, should have that same freedom to marry. Government has no business imposing some people’s religious beliefs over others. Especially if it denies people’s civil rights.

I am still not a political person, but I am proud that Richard’s and my name is on a court case that can help reinforce the love, the commitment, the fairness, and the family that so many people, black or white, young or old, gay or straight seek in life. I support the freedom to marry for all. That’s what Loving, and loving, are all about.