WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02), a co-chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, today issued the following statement on a decision by a three-judge panel of the U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago ruling that Wisconsin’s ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional:

“Today’s decision puts Wisconsin back on track to ensuring full equality for every American,” said Rep. Mark Pocan. “It is clear discriminatory laws that treat LGBT couples as second-class citizens will not stand in a court of law.”

“I urge Governor Scott Walker and Attorney General J. B. Van Hollen to respect the Court’s ruling and the spirit of the U.S. Constitution,” continued Rep. Pocan.  “In ruling after ruling, it has become unmistakable that the promise of America is everyone should be treated equally and with dignity.  Today’s ruling brings us one step closer to fulfilling that promise.”

A tireless advocate for the rights of the LGBT community, Pocan has been married to his husband Phil since 2006.