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RICHMOND, Va<\/a>. – Mildred Loving, a black woman whose challenge to Virginia’s ban on interracial marriage led to a landmark Supreme Court ruling striking down such laws nationwide, has died, her daughter said Monday.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Almost a year ago, on the 40th anniversary of the Loving v Virginia decision, Mrs. Loving released a statement<\/a>. Here’s part of what she said:<\/p>\n
My generation was bitterly divided over something that should have been so clear and right. The majority believed that what the judge said, that it was God\u2019s plan to keep people apart, and that government should discriminate against people in love. But I have lived long enough now to see big changes. The older generation\u2019s fears and prejudices have given way, and today\u2019s young people realize that if someone loves someone they have a right to marry.<\/p>\n
Surrounded as I am now by wonderful children and grandchildren, not a day goes by that I don\u2019t 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 \u201cwrong kind of person\u201d 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\u2019s religious beliefs over others. Especially if it denies people\u2019s civil rights.<\/p>\n
I am still not a political person, but I am proud that Richard\u2019s 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\u2019s what Loving, and loving, are all about.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
I hadn’t realized that Mildred Loving was a supporter of same-sex marriage rights. She’d be a hero regardless, but finding that out makes me admire her even more.<\/p>\n
(I’m already wincing at the thought of the political cartoons that will be appearing. My guess is that several cartoonists will do Mildred and Richard, reunited at the Pearly Gates, while Saint Peter comments that no one will be able to keep them apart now.)<\/p>\n
Related link: NPR page on the 40th anniversary<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Curtsy: Shakes<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
RICHMOND, Va. – Mildred Loving, a black woman whose challenge to Virginia’s ban on interracial marriage led to a landmark Supreme Court ruling striking down such laws nationwide, has died, her daughter said Monday. Almost a year ago, on the … Continue reading