ReMARCs – One Nation, One Flag: Equality & Justice for All

Supreme Court Decisions Are Meaningful Advancement for Social and Economic Justice

By Marc Morial

President & CEO, National Urban League

It was with joyful hearts that we welcomed the news this week of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling not only on the issue of health insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, but also on the issue of housing discrimination and marriage equality. All three of these rulings will have a far-ranging impact on economic and social justice in the United States.

Access to affordable, quality health care and housing are key to the economic stability of working families. For the millions who are able to receive health care because of the subsidies the court has protected, health insurance not only represents protection for their health, but protection from the possibility of financial ruin in case of a health crisis.

Further, the court’s ruling that racial discrimination in housing need not be intentional to be illegal breaks down barriers to homeownership – the most significant factor in building wealth and financial security.

The Supreme Court also struck down another form of discrimination with its ruling that laws prohibiting same-sex marriage are unconstitutional. As Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote, “No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were … [the petitioners] ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right.”

We sincerely hope that the court’s ruling settles the matter of the ACA and that further attempts to dismantle it are discouraged. It is time now to refocus our efforts on making sure the law works as intended. Much more needs to be done to offer everyone in the United States – regardless of race, ethnicity, place of birth, or English language ability – an equal opportunity to live a healthy life.

Further, the housing discrimination ruling represents more than access to decent, affordable housing. The American middle class is built on homeownership. Entrepreneurs have built their businesses with the equity in their homes. Parents have sent their children to college with the equity in their homes.

This week, our nation stood up for equal access to housing, health care, dignity and love, and we are proud and grateful.