"We loved each other and got married." Spread love and celebrate Loving Day, June 12th

Every June 12th, honor the United States Supreme Court’s 1967 decision to strike down laws in US states that banned interracial marriage. This is why Loving Day is on June 12th! 

The holiday is about spreading love but it also references the names of Mildred and Richard Loving, who fought against racist laws and won; laws confining them and everyone else from marrying interracially. 

Before the 2007 landmark vote in which the Massachusetts legislature endorsed marriage equality by a 151-45 vote, Mildred Loving, one of the plaintiffs in the landmark case Loving v. Virginia, endorsed equal marriage rights for gay and heterosexual couples. 

“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.“