The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston (JCRC) applauds today’s landmark decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that allows same-sex couples to marry across the United States and that requires each state to recognize a  same-sex marriage when the marriage was lawfully licensed and performed out-of-state.

“Today’s decision is the culmination of an extraordinary civil rights struggle and finally affirms that marriage is a fundamental right for all. Now, same sex couples and our families will be able to enjoy the over one thousand rights, responsibilities and privileges which were previously denied,” said JCRC Executive Director Jeremy Burton.

“JCRC has been a long-time advocate for marriage equality, and fought hard to protect the civil rights of gay and lesbian couples in 2004, when Massachusetts became the very first state to recognize same-sex marriage,” said JCRC President Adam Suttin. “We have been gratified to witness the pace of progress toward equality since that time, as state after state has followed our Commonwealth’s example.”

Today’s decision is a victory for all U.S. citizens, preserving their civil and human rights.