As expected reaction to the Supreme Courts decision granting marriage equality nationwide has been swift. Here is a round-up of reactions to that decision. As the headline suggests it truly represents the good, the bad and the ugly.
“Our nation was founded on a bedrock principle that we are all created equal. The project of each generation is to bridge the meaning of those founding words with the realities of changing times — a never-ending quest to ensure those words ring true for every single American.
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.
This decision will end the patchwork system we currently have. It will end the uncertainty hundreds of thousands of same-sex couples face from not knowing whether their marriage, legitimate in the eyes of one state, will remain if they decide to move [to] or even visit another. This ruling will strengthen all of our communities by offering to all loving same-sex couples the dignity of marriage across this great land.
In my second inaugural address, I said that if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well. It is gratifying to see that principle enshrined into law by this decision.
This ruling is a victory for Jim Obergefell and the other plaintiffs in the case. It’s a victory for gay and lesbian couples who have fought so long for their basic civil rights. It’s a victory for their children, whose families will now be recognized as equal to any other. It’s a victory for the allies and friends and supporters who spent years, even decades, working and praying for change to come.
And this ruling is a victory for America. This decision affirms what millions of Americans already believe in their hearts: When all Americans are treated as equal we are all more free.”
President Barack Obama
“Today, the Supreme Court affirmed that simple proposition—supported by a majority of Americans and a majority of our states—by recognizing that men marrying men and women marrying women are guaranteed the same civil rights and equal protection under our Constitution afforded to Jill and me, and to anyone else.
We couldn’t be prouder. Over the years—in their homes, on our staff, on the frontlines of war, and in houses of worship—Jill and I have befriended countless gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Americans who share a love for their partners constrained only by social stigma and discriminatory laws. But today, their love is set free with the right to marry and the recognition of that marriage throughout the country.
This day is for them, their children, and their families. And it is for generations of advocates—gay, lesbian, transgender, straight—who for decades fought a lonely and dangerous battle. People of absolute courage who risked their lives, jobs, and reputations to come forward in pursuit of the basic right recognized today, but at a time when neither the country nor the courts would protect or defend them.”
Vice President Joe Biden
“Proud to celebrate a historic victory for marriage equality—& the courage & determination of LGBT Americans who made it possible.” (via Twitter)
Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton
“I believe that the court should have left the matter to the states but that Americans should also ‘respect’ each other while also protecting religious freedom. In a country as diverse as ours, good people who have opposing views should be able to live side by side. It is now crucial that as a country we protect religious freedom and the right of conscience and also not discriminate.”
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush
“The decision will pave the way for an all-out assault against the religious freedom rights of Christians who disagree with this decision. The Supreme Court decision today conveniently and not surprisingly follows public opinion polls, and tramples on states’ rights that were once protected by the 10th Amendment of the Constitution. Marriage between a man and a woman was established by God, and no earthly court can alter that.”
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal
“This decision is a victory for same-sex couples across our country as well as all those seeking to live in a nation where every citizen is afforded equal rights. For far too long our justice system has marginalized the gay community and I am very glad the Court has finally caught up to the American people.”
Sen. Bernie Sanders, (D-Vermont)
“Today, love prevailed and our nation became a more perfect union by affirming that all people are indeed created equal and justice belongs to everyone. With this decision, loving and committed same-sex couples can finally rest knowing their families are protected and their dignity is no longer up for public debate. But as we celebrate this watershed victory for fairness, we are reminded that marriage equality is a benchmark, not a finish line, and our work to bridge the gap to full acceptance for LGBT people continues.”
Sarah Kate Ellis, CEO and President, GLAAD
“This is a very emotional day. We feel relief, of course, that the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the fundamental right of same-sex couples to legally commit their lives to each other. We feel admiration for the couples and the advocates who have fought for marriage equality through election after election and court after court, never giving up. And we feel pride in a movement that has helped inform public opinion and bring about justice in what, historically, is a relatively swift period of time. But most of all, we feel joy for every couple in every state who now have the opportunity to share their lives with the respect, dignity and legal protections that marriage brings.”
Assembly Speaker Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego)
“Today, I think back to 2008, when I was finally able to marry the woman I have shared my life with for nearly 25 years. It was an incredibly joyous day and so important to us and our daughter. My heart is so full knowing all loving couples across our great nation will now be able to share in the freedom to marry. Our community owes much gratitude to the legal groups, plaintiffs, state-based organizations, and, especially, to all the couples and families who bravely shared their stories for the past several decades. I’ve never felt more energized to get the work done so that all Americans can be fully equal and protected under the law.”
Rebecca Isaacs, Executive Director, Equality Federation
“Today’s ruling is a transformative triumph decades in the making, a momentous victory for freedom, equality, inclusion, and above all, love. For anyone who ever doubted that we could bend the arc of the moral universe toward justice, today the United States again took a giant step toward the more perfect union we the people aspire to. Today the Liberty Bell rings alongside wedding bells across an ocean of joy.”
Evan Wolfson, President, Freedom to Marry
“As Jews, we believe we are all formed in God’s image. This compels us to extend and recognize the same rights to everyone in our community, including individuals who identify as straight, gay, lesbian, or transgender. For many years, Reform Judaism rabbis have called for equal rights for all members of our communities, and we see today’s Supreme Court decision on marriage equality as a huge moral victory for the United States.”
Steve Fox, Chief Executive, The Central Conference of American Rabbis
“Today’s ruling makes perfectly clear that there is no legal or moral justification for standing in the path of marriage equality. Couples from Mississippi to North Dakota to Texas shouldn’t have to wait even a moment longer to be treated equally under the law. State officials across the country must act swiftly to ensure that every obstacle to obtaining a marriage license is removed. To do anything less is a shameful attempt to cement their state on the wrong side of history. But what’s clear today is that our work isn’t done until every discriminatory law in this nation is wiped away. The time has come in this country for comprehensive federal LGBT non-discrimination protections. We now have to work harder than ever before to make sure LGBT Americans cannot be fired, evicted or denied services simply on the basis of the marriage license that they fought so hard to achieve.”
Chad Griffin, President, Human Rights Campaign
“Today I could not be prouder of my country, more grateful for the memory of my late husband John, and more indebted to the incredible lawyers, advocates and fellow plaintiffs who made this landmark day possible. The fact that the state I have long called home will finally recognize my marriage to the man I honored and cherished for more than 20 years is a profound vindication—a victory I’m proud to share with countless more couples across the country. Thanks to the Supreme Court, a period of deep injustice in this nation is coming to a close, but it’s also clear today that there is still so much work to do. As long as discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people is tolerated—whether in the seeking of a marriage license, the pursuit of fairness on the job, or the fight for equal treatment at a restaurant or business—we haven’t truly guaranteed equal justice under the law. But today’s victory proves that anything is possible, and I could not be more hopeful about the capacity of this country to change for the better.”
Jim Obergefell, Lead Plaintiff in the case
“This is a tremendous day for the LGBT community, their families, and their friends who have stood beside them. The Supreme Court has ended one of the blatant forms of discrimination that keep loving families apart based solely on who they love and where they live. This decision brings us closer to our nation’s promise of equal rights for all, and this victory belongs to those who can now marry who they love across America.”
Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.)
“Today’s ruling is a defining moment for our nation that dignifies and validates couples who will no longer be treated differently because of who they are and who they love. This is a long-sought victory for so many people who dared to believe that love, liberty and basic fairness would eventually prevail. The Court’s decision affirms that every American is created equal, loves equally and should be free to pursue life, liberty and happiness.”
Sen. Mark Leno, (D-San Francisco)
“Empirical research demonstrates that the psychological and social aspects of committed relationships between same-sex partners largely resemble those of heterosexual partnerships. Like heterosexual couples, same-sex couples form deep emotional attachments and commitments. Heterosexual and same-sex couples alike face similar issues concerning intimacy, love, equity, loyalty and stability, and they go through similar processes to address those issues.”
Barry S. Anton, PhD, President, The American Psychological Association
“This is a magnificent achievement for our country. Although it may be tempting to view this Supreme Court ruling as the end of the struggle for LGBT equality, much work remains to address legal and social discrimination faced by the LGBT community in the U.S. – particularly for transgender individuals and people of color. There are even greater obstacles for LGBT people beyond this nation’s borders, especially in some of the poorest and most repressive countries in the developing world.”
Robert Bank, Executive Vice President, American Jewish World Service
“From Loving to Windsor to today, love has won. As people start seeing one another’s real aspirations and dreams for all our families and our communities, as well as for ourselves, we see that the arc of history does bend toward justice. And while this is a day of celebration, there is more work to do in our fight for full equality. As a gay woman and union leader, I know that I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for my union—an ally in the struggle for rights and a shield from unfair discrimination in the workplace.”
Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers
“Today’s ruling strikes a blow to inequality and discrimination throughout the nation, and that’s good for Americans’ mental health. The APA has a long history of supporting the rights of same-sex couples, and we have long noted that there is no scientific or medical reason to deny these couples the right to marry. This decision is a landmark step in ensuring equality and happiness for every American.”
Renée Binder, M.D., President, The American Psychiatric Association
“Today the Supreme Court of the United States finally recognized what Log Cabin Republicans has long advocated for: the constitutional right of committed same-sex couples to engage in civil marriage partnerships. “At hand lies a tremendous opportunity for healing on all sides: Log Cabin Republicans encourages marriage equality advocates to resist the temptation of being ‘sore winners’ and respecting others who may not yet be at a place of acceptance; and opponents of marriage equality who can light a way out of the LGBT culture wars by recognizing that civil marriage for committed same-sex couples is no threat to any straight couple’s marriage, family, or faith. This is a watershed moment for the LGBT rights movement — one that had its genesis on the center-right — and Log Cabin Republicans congratulates our allied organizations, grassroots Chapter Leaders, and — especially — those committed same-sex couples who moved national sentiment on marriage equality so far, so fast simply by living their lives in quiet dignity.”
Gregory T. Angelo, National Executive Director, Log Cabin Republicans
“This decision by the Supreme Court marks a truly historic day for our country. As the debate for marriage equality in America comes to an end, I am proud to say that dignity and love have won. As a member of the Congressional Equality Caucus, I am delighted to celebrate this great victory with our nation’s LGBT brothers and sisters. As we commemorate this joyous occasion, let us also recognize that discrimination and intolerance still exist and that our fight for equality will continue until we’ve secured full and equal protections for all LGBT Americans.”
Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04)
“Marriage equality is a great step towards a better and more equitable country. What this means for me, is that my own marriage to my partner Isabel is now not only recognized by the both of us, but by every state in this country. Today’s court ruling means that all LGBTQ people can have their love legally recognized but this day would not have come without the courageous voices of activists who dared to demand justice.The estimated 267,000 LGBTQ people who are also undocumented continue to face unrelenting discrimination and abuse for both sexual orientation and gender identity as well as their immigration status. United We Dream honors the brave freedom fighters who delivered today’s victory and honors those who are today fighting to overcome the next frontier of justice for the LGBTQ community.”
Felipe Sousa-Rodriguez, Deputy Managing Director United We Dream
“Today, five unelected judges redefined the foundational unit of society. Now is the people’s opportunity respond because the future of the institution of marriage is too important to not have a public debate. The Court is one of three co-equal branches of government and, just as they have in cases from Dred Scott to Plessy, the Court has an imperfect track record.”
Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum
“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.”
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker
“This is only the latest example of an activist Court ignoring its constitutional duty to say what the law is and not what the law should be.”
Former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina
“While I strongly disagree with the Supreme Court’s decision, their ruling is now the law of the land.”
Former neurosurgeon Ben Carson
“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.”
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio
“I will not acquiesce to an imperial court any more than our Founders acquiesced to an imperial British monarch. We must resist and reject judicial tyranny, not retreat.”
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee
