Marriage equality pioneer mourned by gay community

By Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk • May 6, 2008 - 14:58

Richard and Mildred were charged with violating Virginia's anti-miscegenation statutes

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She stood up for her own marriage rights 40 years ago, and then stood up for lesbian and gay Americans when they asked for the same treatment.

Mildred Loving has died at the age of 68. She may not have been well-known, but her actions and those of her husband challenged American prejudice.

In June 1958, two residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia - Mildred Jeter, a Black/Native American woman, and Richard Perry Loving, a Caucasian man - were married in Washington DC.

Upon their return to Virginia, they were charged with violating Virginia's anti-miscegenation statutes, which made their marriage a felony.

They challenged their convictions, culminating in the June 12, 1967 Supreme Court opinion in Loving vs Virginia, striking down the remaining anti-miscegenation laws that were still in effect in sixteen states.

In the unanimous opinion, the Supreme Court rejected bigotry against interracial relations, recognising an individual's right to marry under the Fourteen Amendment of the United States Constitution.

Mr Loving died in 1975 but in 2007 his wife spoke up for equality once again.

"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," she said on the 40th anniversary of Loving vs Virginia.

"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.

"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."

LGBT legal advocacy group Lambda Legal's executive director Kevin Cathart said:

"Mrs Loving and her husband are a testament to the power of standing up for equality and fairness.

"Love always wins over hate and bigotry in the end, though the road to justice can be long.

"Last year on the 40th anniversary of the Loving vs Virginia decision Mrs Loving bravely stepped forward to include marriage equality for same-sex couples as part of her vision of equality. We are grateful for her leadership. Our thoughts are with her family today."

What a wonderful woman, i like to think she's now reunited with her true love Richard.

What an inspirational story, thanks for posting it.

It started me thinking tho, does anyone have a gay rights activist here in Thailand that they admire/respect?

What an inspirational story, thanks for posting it.

It started me thinking tho, does anyone have a gay rights activist here in Thailand that they admire/respect?

I've asked many gay Thai friends if they have anyone fighting for their rights or if they themselves ever bring up issues when it comes to politicians door to door canvasing for their votes. Not one of them has said yes, it seems to me that they have enough with dealing with their families predjudices without addressing the bigger picture.They deal with so many things that are unfair here in Thailand that i think they think gay rights are the last thing people will be bothered with. I've never been to a country though where i've met so many openly gay/lesbian or transgendered people, surely they have some clout?

May she RIP.

Actually there are some activist groups that are working on this. Last year they campaigned to have a prohibition on discrimination against sexual orientation in the constitute. It 's almost successful but the constitutional drafter strangely disagreed in the very last minute.

There is even a court case that a thai guy bringing up that he should be able to marry another guy. The court ruled that only men and women can marry because it's the only situation where a baby can be created. Luckily that the Thai legal system doesn't mainly rely on precedent-setting case or judge-made law.

at the meantime I have seen both gay and lesbian groups fighting for the gay rights. But the "way to approach and get something" in Thailand is to be slow and considerate, if they come up protest strongly for gay rights,then people can be scared and the plan can be failed right away...That 's not my word but from what i listened to an activist answering a question whether there's gay rights' fight in Thailand.

Personally I want a more upfront aggressive fighting for gay rights, though

Edited May 13, 200818 yr by tiza