Public figures honor Edith Windsor: ‚Few made as big a difference to America‘
Following the death Tuesday of Edith Windsor — whose landmark Supreme Court case struck down parts of a federal anti-gay marriage law and paved the way toward legalizing same-sex nuptials nationwide — lawmakers, celebrities, and other public figures were quick to honor her legacy and contribution to LGBT rights.
She was 88. She died in New York, her lawyer Roberta Kaplan said.
„America’s long journey towards equality has been guided by countless small acts of persistence, and fueled by the stubborn willingness of quiet heroes to speak out for what’s right, “ former President Barack Obama. „Few were as small in stature as Edie Windsor — and few made as big a difference to America.“
Obama said he spoke with Windsor a few days ago and told her „one more time what a difference she made to this country we love.“
When Windsor was 81, she brought a lawsuit that turned out to be a major moment for gay rights. The genesis of the lawsuit was the death in 2009 of her first wife, Thea Spyer. They were married in 2007 in Canada — where same-sex marriage was already legal — after spending more than four decades together.
Windsor said the federal Defense of Marriage Act ’s definition of marriage as a relationship between a man and a woman prevented her from getting a marital deduction on Spyer’s estate. That meant Windsor faced a $360,000 tax bill that heterosexual couples would not have.
Fast forward to June 2013, when the Supreme Court justices ruled 5-4 in that the provision in the law was unconstitutional, and that legally married same-sex couples are entitled to the same federal benefits that heterosexual couples receive.
But the journey to marriage equality didn’t end there. The opinion in Windsor’s case became the basis for several federal court rulings that struck down state marriage bans and led to a 2015 Supreme Court ruling giving same-sex couples the right to marry across the country.
Below, a round-up of public figures who took to social media to pay tribute to Windsor:
SEN. KAMALA HARRIS, D-CALIF.
“If you really care about the quality of somebody’s life as much as you care about the quality of your own, you have it made.” —Edie Windsor
SEN. DIANNE FEINSTEIN, D-CALIF.
Edith Windsor made this country better. Her courage means millions of Americans can now marry the person they love. #LoveWins
REP. JOE CROWLEY, D-NEW YORK
Edith Windsor was a fearless trailblazer who dedicated her life to justice & equality for the #LGBT community and all Americans. 1/ https: //t.co/pIHahTDeKh
Condolences to all of Edith’s family and friends. Let us all honor Edith by standing up to injustice everywhere.?? 2/2
FORMER PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON
In standing up for herself, Edie also stood up for millions of Americans and their rights. May she rest in peace. https: //t.co/9nNazdmnPP
FORMER NYC CITY COUNCILLOR CHRISTINE QUINN
#EdieWindsor led w heart, & a Herculean spirit. She was the greatest supporter any movement could have. She was a hero to Kim & I #lgbt pic.twitter.com/nO5HH64Ew4
DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CHAIR TOM PEREZ
America lost a hero today. You were a trailblazer for the generation of LGBTQ activists we see making change today — thank you, Edie. pic.twitter.com/vPx5QCsqJV
CHELSEA CLINTON
Very sad to read of Edith Windsor’s passing. Our world is better for her life. Keeping her wife Judith, all her family & friends in my heart https: //t.co/K3HebHZhyb
GLAAD
Edie Windsor was a hero and her contributions to the fight for equality and acceptance will be remembered forever. https: //t.co/ZlaLiKTiaJ
FILMMAKER DUSTIN LANCE BLACK
You lit up every room you entered #EdieWindsor. You left our world far better than you found it. May your life’s example inspire our future. pic.twitter.com/vXlKg5mg0q
ACTRESS AND FORMER TALK SHOW HOST ROSIE O’DONNELL
edie – legend hero friend – thank u edie thank u thea – #GayMarriage pic.twitter.com/Q0pxJP2iFS
ACTOR GEORGE TAKEI
Edith Windsor changed history by winning her case and ushering in marriage equality. Her legacy will live on forever. Rest in peace, Edie. pic.twitter.com/CluylYFz4f
ACTOR JESSE TYLER FERGUSON
R. I. P. Edith Windsor. Your passion will always inspire me. You left a deep imprint on this world. Thank you! https: //t.co/HpFhox8zHG
TALK SHOW HOST ANDY COHEN
Rest in peace Edith Windsor. We’ll be grateful to you for the rest of our lives… https: //t.co/RvisofSlBB
TENNIS STAR BILLIE JEAN KING
Today we lost Edith Windsor whose bravery and commitment led to marriage equality and landmark protection for the LGBT community.
