The very idea of marriage is basic to recognition as equals in our society; any status short of that is inferior, unjust, and unconstitutional.

In this quote, Ted Olson argues that the institution of marriage is fundamental to being recognized as an equal in society. He asserts that without the right to marry, individuals are denied equality, treated as inferior, and subjected to an unjust system that violates the principles of fairness and justice. Olson stresses that any status that does not afford the full rights and privileges of marriage is a discriminatory practice that undermines the concept of equality guaranteed by the Constitution.

The origin of this quote comes from Olson’s advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, specifically his role in the landmark case Perry v. Schwarzenegger, where he argued that denying same-sex couples the right to marry was a violation of their constitutional rights. Olson, a prominent lawyer, believed that the right to marry was essential to the full recognition of an individual’s dignity and equality under the law. His involvement in this case, which ultimately led to the overturning of California’s Proposition 8, made him a key figure in the legal fight for marriage equality.

Olson’s statement reflects the broader legal and societal argument that marriage is not just a personal choice but a fundamental civil right that should be available to all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation. He emphasizes that the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage is not merely a social issue but one that implicates the very structure of a fair and just society. For Olson, denying marriage rights to any group is a direct contradiction to the principles of equality and freedom enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.

Ultimately, Olson’s quote underscores the profound impact that marriage equality has on achieving social justice. He argues that denying same-sex couples the right to marry keeps them in a second-class status and perpetuates discrimination. His statement calls for the full recognition of all citizens as equals, and stresses that any denial of this right is both a legal and moral failure.