Over the flip, I'll be posting some legislator's remarks on the marriage decision. I'll only get a few now, so any editors should feel free to add some or throw them in the comments.
Senator Barack Obama:
"Barack Obama has always believed that same-sex couples should enjoy equal rights under the law, and he will continue to fight for civil unions as President. He respects the decision of the California Supreme Court, and continues to believe that states should make their own decisions when it comes to the issue of marriage."
On the issue of constitutional amendments, Senator Obama has been on record for some time: He opposes all divisive and discriminatory constitutional amendments, state or federal. That includes the proposed amendments in California and Florida.
"Today's ruling is a supreme affirmation of the sanctity of the love that two people share with one another without regard to their gender, and a victory for all Californians who believe that people should have the opportunity to pursue their dreams on equal footing.
I applaud the Supreme Court today for erasing hundreds of years of unconstitutional discrimination against loving and committed same sex couples. I also congratulate the brave couples who brought the case to court, as well as Mayor Newsom, City Attorney Herrera and the amazing legal team that successfully argued this historic case.
I will continue to review the legal implications of today's ruling and, if it is determined to be necessary, draft any implementing legislation that may be needed or appropriate.
With the conviction of its highest court and its legislature, California continues to lead the way in favor of the conservative principle that society is best served when loving couples who want to settle down with one another are all able to do so through the civil institution of marriage."
Lloyd Levine:
"I am absolutely elated by the California Supreme Court's decision. We live in 2008 and there is no place for discrimination in any way, shape or form," Assemblymember Lloyd Levine said. "All people in California have equal rights under the law. I look forward to the day when all people can marry the person they love. This is a great day for equality in California."
Leland Yee:
"Today our state's supreme court reaffirmed the highest ideals of our republic. I am proud to be a Californian today as we stand on the right side of history. This is a victory for all people committed to equal justice and equal opportunity. For far too long, our nation has unfairly denied fundamental rights to individuals simply because of their sexual orientation. Today, we finally begin to heal those wounds and end state-sanctioned discrimination. At last, we fully recognize and honor all loving relationships and all families with the rights, privileges, and joys of marriage. We also celebrate the perseverance and courage shown by so many in this latest march towards equality, justice and happiness."
On the California Supreme Court's decision today to strike the state ban on gay marriage
I welcome the California Supreme Court's historic decision. I have long fought against discrimination and believe that the State Constitution provides for equal treatment for all of California's citizens and families, which today's decision recognizes.
I commend the plaintiffs from San Francisco for their courage and commitment. I encourage California citizens to respect the Court's decision, and I continue to strongly oppose any ballot measure that would write discrimination into the State Constitution.
Today is a significant milestone for which all Californians can take pride.
I respect the Court's decision and as Governor, I will uphold its ruling. Also, as I have said in the past, I will not support an amendment to the constitution that would overturn this state Supreme Court ruling.
Mayor Gavin Newsom:
Today, the California Supreme Court took a bold and important step forward to end discrimination in California. The Court's ruling to grant same-sex couples the right to marry affirms the very best of what California stands for - and proudly continues our state's long-standing commitment to equality and justice.
As San Franciscans, we have taken an irrevocable step toward resolving one of the most important civil rights issues of our generation, and the state's highest court has done the right thing with their ruling. San Francisco is the first government entity in American history to challenge the constitutionality of state marriage laws that discriminate against gay and lesbian couples. I believe that the path San Francisco pursued was not merely right - it was inevitable. It is America's path - the road to true freedom and equality.
The rights afforded by California's Constitution have triumphed, as they must, over laws restricting marriage to opposite-sex couples. In the late 1940s, California courts were among the nation's first to strike down laws banning inter-racial marriage. The state's Supreme Court has once again distinguished itself as a leading defender of our civil rights.
