Rice U. expert available to discuss US Supreme Court ruling on legality of same-sex marriage

Rice University
Office of Public Affairs / News & Media Relations

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David Ruth
713-348-6327
david@rice.edu

Amy McCaig
713-348-6777
amym@rice.edu

Rice U. expert available to discuss US Supreme Court ruling on legality of same-sex marriage

HOUSTON – (June 26, 2015) – The U.S. Supreme Court today ruled that the Constitution guarantees a nationwide right to same-sex marriage. Brian Riedel, assistant director of Rice University’s Center for the Study of Women, Gender and Sexuality, is available to discuss this timely issue.

Riedel said the ruling builds on a long sequence of Supreme Court decisions and national conversations stretching back at least into the 1950s.

“The decision from the court resoundingly affirms that those in same-sex relationships are worthy of full participation in the institutions of the state,” Riedel said. He noted, however, that “real marriage equality” requires federal protections against employment and housing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

In addition to his involvement with the Center for the Study of Women, Gender and Sexuality, Riedel is a professor in the practice of humanities and has taught Introduction to LGBT Studies and Sexual Debates in the U.S. at Rice. He holds a Ph.D. in anthropology from Rice and a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Riedel’s research interests include international activism and the preservation of Houston’s LGBT history.

To schedule an interview with Riedel, contact Amy McCaig, senior media relations specialist at Rice, at amym@rice.edu or 713-348-6777.

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Brian Riedel photo: http://bit.ly/1JlogWa

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