For Immediate Release
May 15, 2008
APIAHF Previously Signed Amicus Brief in Support of Marriage Equality
SAN FRANCISCO - The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) today joined San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and several hundred other California human and civil rights leaders in the San Francisco City Hall Rotunda to celebrate the California Supreme Court decision overturning the ban on same sex marriage. In 2007, APIAHF was part of a coalition of national and state Asian Pacific American organizations that filed an Amicus Brief in support of fairness and equality in marriage.
"Today's historic decision affirms the commitment of the U.S. Constitution and of our great state to equality and fairness for all Americans, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation," said Dr. Ho Luong Tran, executive director of APIAHF. "This is an extraordinary day for our community, our friends, our families, and all Californians."
"Throughout our community's early immigration experience laws were enacted to deny Asian Americans equal marriage rights. Asian women were largely prohibited from immigrating to the U.S. while Asian Americans in the U.S. were barred from marrying whites," stated Dr. Tran. "As a result of this, Asian Americans understand how restrictions on marriage can impede the social, political and economic progress of individuals and groups in society. We applaud the Supreme Court's decision."
APIAHF is a national advocacy organization dedicated to promoting policy, program, and research efforts to improve the health and well-being of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.
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