Politics & Government
Local Legislators React to Supreme Court's Gay Marriage Ruling
Wednesday's decisions on the Defense of Marriage Act and Prop 8 advance marriage equality.
San Gabriel Valley Legislators reacted quickly Wednesday to the Supreme Court's ruling against the Defense of Marriage Act, as well as their decision that Prop 8 has no legal standing.
The high court ruled 5 to 4 to overturn DOMA, having found it unconstitutional because it violates an individual’s due process and equal protection rights. Additionally, the court decided to vacate the Ninth Circuit’s ruling on Proposition 8. The move will still allow same-sex marriage to continue in California.
Here's what two area legislators have to say, according to their respective press releases.
Rep. Judy Chu of the 27th Congressional District:
“Today is a pivotal day in the fight for equality for the LGBT community. In striking down DOMA, the Supreme Court ensured that individuals will no longer face discrimination under federal laws based on whom they marry.
“Though I would have preferred to see Proposition 8 ruled unconstitutional as well, the fact is same-sex couples are free to marry their loved ones in California, and ultimately that is what is most important.
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“While this is a great first step, the decisions only apply to those lucky enough to be in states that currently allow for same-sex marriages. It is clear that to truly create equality for all Americans under the law, gay and lesbian couples must be free to marry, regardless of where they live.”
Rep. Adam Schiff of the 28th Congressional District:“Today is a huge day for the cause of equality – by ruling that DOMA is an unconstitutional violation of equal protection, the Court has struck a momentous blow against discrimination and injustice, bringing us closer to our founding principle that all people are created equal. By dismissing the Prop 8 case, the Court has returned marriage equality to California. It’s my hope that clerks will begin issuing marriage licenses to those loving couples wishing to get married as soon as possible.
“Love is love, and the fight will not be over until equality under the law – including the right to marry the person you love – is the law of the land in every state in the nation.”
Find out what's happening in South Pasadenawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Schiff is an original co-sponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act, which would require recognition of any marriage performed in any state under federal law, including that of LGBT Americans. On Tuesday, Schiff met with Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo – two of the plaintiffs in the Supreme Court case about California’s Prop 8.
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