Here are excerpts from the U.S. Supreme Court decision on Friday that same-sex couples have the right to marry in all 50 states, and reaction by national and state leaders.
You can read the entire decision here.
The decision
From the majority opinion by Justice Anthony Kennedy:
“No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were. As some of the petitioners in these cases demonstrate, marriage embodies a love that may endure even past death. It would misunderstand these men and women to say they disrespect the idea of marriage. Their plea is that they do respect it, respect it so deeply that they seek to find its fulfillment for themselves. Their hope is not to be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from one of civilization’s oldest institutions. They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right. …
“… The marriage laws at issue are in essence unequal: Same-sex couples are denied benefits afforded opposite-sex couples and are barred from exercising a fundamental right. Especially against a long history of disapproval of their relationships, this denial works a grave and continuing harm, serving to disrespect and subordinate gays and lesbians. …”
From a dissenting opinion by Chief Justice John Roberts:
“[O]ur Constitution does not enact any one theory of marriage. The people of a State are free to expand marriage to include same-sex couples, or to retain the historic definition.
Today, however, the Court takes the extraordinary step of ordering every State to license and recognize same-sex marriage. Many people will rejoice at this decision, and I begrudge none their celebration. But for those who believe in a government of laws, not of men, the majority’s approach is deeply disheartening. Supporters of same-sex marriage have achieved considerable success persuading their fellow citizens—through the democratic process—to adopt their view. That ends today. Five lawyers have closed the debate and enacted their own vision of marriage as a matter of constitutional law. Stealing this issue from the people will for many cast a cloud over same-sex marriage, making a dramatic social change that much more difficult to accept.”
From a dissenting opinion by Justice Antonin Scalia:
“[T]he opinion’s showy profundities are often profoundly incoherent. “The nature of marriage is that, through its enduring bond, two persons together can find other freedoms, such as expression, intimacy, and spirituality.” (Really? Who ever thought that intimacy and spirituality [whatever that means] were freedoms? And if intimacy is, one would think Freedom of Intimacy is abridged rather than expanded by marriage. Ask the nearest hippie. Expression, sure enough, is a freedom, but anyone in a long-lasting marriage will attest that that happy state constricts, rather than expands, what one can prudently say.)”
White House
Excerpts from President Barack Obama’s statement:
“… Progress on this journey often comes in small increments, sometimes two steps forward, one step back, propelled by the persistent effort of dedicated citizens. And then sometimes, there are days like this when that slow, steady effort is rewarded with justice that arrives like a thunderbolt.
“This morning, the Supreme Court recognized that the Constitution guarantees marriage equality. In doing so, they’ve reaffirmed that all Americans are entitled to the equal protection of the law. That all people should be treated equally, regardless of who they are or who they love. …
“… Today should also give us hope that on the many issues with which we grapple, often painfully, real change is possible. Shifts in hearts and minds is possible. And those who have come so far on their journey to equality have a responsibility to reach back and help others join them. Because for all our differences, we are one people, stronger together than we could ever be alone. That’s always been our story. …”
Congress
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.:
“I am so proud of how far our country has come, and it is because of the dedication of the LGBT and allied communities that we have seen the tide turn. While this ruling was a long-overdue step forward, we cannot forget how much more work must be done to build on this momentum and deliver on our nation’s promise of equality to all LGBT Americans.”
U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash.:
“This is a historic day. The U.S. Supreme Court has taken an important step towards ending discrimination against many families across our country. We must continue to fight all forms of discrimination that LGBT people continue to face and ensure that there are comprehensive federal nondiscrimination protections in place.”
U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash.:
“I am proud to be from Washington state, which has led the way in extending marriage rights for all. This day has been long in the making, and I am deeply pleased that our country has broken down the barrier to marriage equality. …”
Candidates for president
Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania:
“Today, five unelected justices decided to redefine the foundational unit that binds together our society without public debate or input. Now is the people’s opportunity respond because the future of the institution of marriage is too important to not have a public debate.”
Democrat Hillary Clinton, via Twitter:
“Proud to celebrate a historic victory for marriage equality — & the courage & determination of LGBT Americans who made it possible.”
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker:
“As a result of this decision, the only alternative left for the American people is to support an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to reaffirm the ability of the states to continue to define marriage.”
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio:
“This decision short-circuits the political process that has been underway on the state level for years. While I disagree with this decision, we live in a republic and must abide by the law. As we look ahead, it must be a priority of the next president to nominate judges and justices committed to applying the Constitution as written and originally understood.”
State of Washington
Gov. Jay Inslee:
“The LGBT community and others got us to this point today by making sure their voices were heard not just in elections, statehouses and courthouses, but in their neighborhoods and work places and throughout communities across this country. As we celebrate, we should pause to note that today’s decision should give us confidence in our ability to address big challenges of inequality and injustice. …
“… I was proud of our state for being the first in the nation to vote to recognize same-sex marriage, and I know that here in Washington state we will continue to lead the nation in the fight to ensure equal rights for the LGBT members of our state family, and all our residents.”
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