Cuomo, Obama cheer Supreme Court decision on gay marriage
The Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling today that the Constitution guarantees a right to same-sex marriage is drawing praise from Gov. Andrew Cuomo and President Barack Obama.
Cuomo announced he directed that the lights on One World Trade Center’s 408-foot spire will be light up in a rainbow on Sunday night, June 28.
The governor issued this statement today:
“New York has been a leader in the fight for marriage equality, and today’s Supreme Court decision affirms what we have fought so hard for – that marriage is a fundamental right that should be afforded to everyone, regardless of whom they love. When we passed the Marriage Equality Act in 2011, New York sent a message to the nation that it was time to end one of society’s greatest inequities, and I am thrilled to see the Court join us on the right side of history. Dividing people into first and second-class citizens is not only wrong, it runs contrary to who we are as a nation. From Stonewall to Edie Windsor, New Yorkers have always been on the front lines of the fight to ensure equality and fairness for all. Today, we are proud New Yorkers and proud Americans. Today, progress marches on.”
The decision today follows decades of litigation and activism.
Obama spoke from the Rose Garden today.
“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.”
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) made this statement on Facebook:
“So powerful to see The Supreme Court rule in favor of marriage equality today! Congratulations to all who fought to get us here. Today is a truly historic day, a day where we as a nation take a huge step toward LGBT equality. But even as we cheer this decision, we must remember that the fight for full equality continues, including passing an inclusive ENDA, ending adoption and foster discrimination, and combating the crisis of LGBT youth homelessness and suicide. So, as we celebrate this win, I hope you’ll join me, add your voice to urge Congress to continue the fight for full LGBT equality.”
