SCOTUS Gay Marriage Rulings: Local Reactions

Local politicians weighed in on this morning's Supreme Court rulings on gay marriage.

The Supreme Court's two rulings backed the arguments of gay marriage supporters. The part of the Defense of Marriage Act that barred married same-sex couples from receiving the same federal marriage benefits as straight couples was struck down in a 5-4 ruling. The court also turned declined to rule on a challenge that would have upheld California's Proposition 8, which has already been struck down by a lower court.

Here's what our local politicians have to say on the gay marriage rulings:

Rep. Adam Smith (D-Bellevue)

“The Supreme Court’s rulings on marriage equality today are a huge step forward for our country.  By striking down DOMA, the Supreme Court has ruled in favor the Constitutional right to equality for all Americans regardless of who they love.  Married same-sex couples will finally be recognized by the federal government and receive benefits previously denied such as Social Security survivor benefits, shared health insurance, and tax benefits for married couples.  Additionally, the Supreme Court ruled to return the right for same-sex couples to marry in California by allowing the lower courts to repeal Proposition 8.

“Even with these rulings, significant work remains to ensure equal rights to the LGBT community.  Same-sex couples living in states that don’t recognize all marriages still face uncertainty and discrimination.  LGBT people can still be denied work simply based on who they are. Bullying in our schools is still a dangerous epidemic among youth who are or are perceived to be LGBT, and homelessness and poverty rates are still unacceptably high among LGBT people.  The Supreme Court’s decisions exhibit the tremendous progress we have made towards full equality, but we must remain committed to doing all we can to make sure equal opportunity and justice are realities for all Americans.”

King County Executive Dow Constantine

“I am pleased and proud that the Supreme Court has officially recognized the civil rights of same-sex couples, rights that Washington State voters embraced last year.

"Being able to issue the first marriage licenses to happy same-sex couples was one of the highlights of my career. Thankfully, it appears that there will be many more such joyful moments as our nation moves, sometimes slowly, sometimes quickly, ever closer to the ideals announced at our founding. I am proud of King County and Washington State for helping to nudge the nation toward justice.”

Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-Medina)

“Today’s landmark decision by the Supreme Court is a victory for social justice and a major step toward the goal of achieving equality for all in our country.

“Last year, the voters of Washington said loud and clear that all loving couples should be allowed to marry. I am proud to have supported that measure, and today Washington is one of 12 states and the District of Columbia to allow same-sex marriage. I am pleased that the California will once again be among these states.

“The Court today affirmed what Washington voters already know, which is that all loving couples deserve equal treatment under the law. This was the same argument that I and 212 of my colleagues made when we submitted an amicus brief to the Court when making our case that DOMA is unconstitutional. For married gay and lesbian couples throughout the country, today’s ruling means that they are now clearly eligible for all the federal protections and responsibilities afforded to other married couples.

“There is still more to do to fully repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and ensure that all couples can benefit from federal marital protections, regardless of where they live. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, I am eager to get to work with my colleagues to ensure these families are treated equally.”

This story will be updated with more reactions as they come in. What's your reaction? Tell us in the comments, or Speak Out on our announcement boards.