Florida

Florida Reacts to Supreme Court's Ruling on Same-Sex Marriage

Florida politicians, officials and organizations are reacting to the Supreme Court's historic ruling on gay marriage. Here's what they're saying:


Sen. Bill Nelson:

“Today's ruling reaffirms one of the paramount principles of America that we're all created equal and have the right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.”


Sen. Marco Rubio:

“I believe that marriage, as the key to strong family life, is the most important institution in our society and should be between one man and one woman. People who disagree with the traditional definition of marriage have the right to change their state laws. That is the right of our people, not the right of the unelected judges or justices of the Supreme Court. 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.

“The next president and all in public office must strive to protect the First Amendment rights of religious institutions and millions of Americans whose faiths hold a traditional view of marriage. This is a constitutional duty, not a political opinion. Our nation was founded on the human right of religious freedom, and our elected leaders have a duty to protect that right by ensuring that no one is compelled by law to violate their conscience.

“I firmly believe the question of same sex marriage is a question of the definition of an institution, not the dignity of a human being. Every American has the right to pursue happiness as they see fit. Not every American has to agree on every issue, but all of us do have to share our country. A large number of Americans will continue to believe in traditional marriage, and a large number of Americans will be pleased with the Court’s decision today. In the years ahead, it is my hope that each side will respect the dignity of the other.”


Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush:

“Guided by my faith, I believe in traditional marriage. I believe the Supreme Court should have allowed the states to make this decision. I also believe that we should love our neighbor and respect others, including those making lifetime commitments. 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.”


Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi:

"We have always sought finality on this important constitutional issue, and today the United States Supreme Court provided the clarity our state and country was seeking. Our country has vigorously debated the issue, with good people on all sides. Many on both sides feel strongly about the issue, having deeply held and sincere beliefs. Legal efforts were not about personal beliefs or opinions, but rather, the rule of law. The United States Supreme Court has the final word on interpreting the Constitution, and the court has spoken."


Congressman Ted Deutch:

“As a Vice Chair for the House Equality Caucus, but more importantly as a husband, as a father, and as an American, I am overjoyed by today’s Supreme Court decision, which recognizes the freedom of all Americans to marry and have that marriage recognized by all 50 states. Today will be remembered as a historic leap forward in our nation’s ongoing march for equality and justice for all Americans.

I am so proud to know that today’s children and future generations of Americans will grow up in a country that recognizes the dignity and equality of every family, and the right of all Americans – regardless of their race or sexual orientation or gender identity – to marry the person they love, wherever they live.

As we celebrate today’s historic victory, we must recommit ourselves to the ongoing fight for equality under the law for LGBT Americans, who all too often face harsh discrimination in their daily lives. I hope this decision gives Congress new momentum to pass comprehensive civil rights legislation that will protect our LGBT friends, family members, and colleagues from discrimination at work, in school, and in our communities.”


Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen:

"Our nation was founded on the basis of equal rights and today, the Supreme Court’s decision reflected our values. The ability to marry is now a right all Americans have and we no longer must wonder why one class of people has been singled out under the law. Simply put, and the majority of Americans would agree, the union of two people in marriage should not be based on gender, but on love."

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson:

"In 1967, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on another landmark case, Loving v. Virginia, that enabled blacks and whites to legally enter into marriage. The world has evolved even more in the ensuing decades, which the court recognized today in its 5 to 4 decision that requires all states to perform same-sex marriages and to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.

I am proud to live in an America in which gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people have the freedom and fundamental right to marry the man or woman they have chosen to love."


Archdiocese of Miami, Archbishop Thomas Wenski:

"The decision of the Supreme Court redefining marriage as merely an affective union between two people of any sex was disappointing if not unexpected. As the minority of the judges said in their dissent, 'The majority’s decision is an act of will, not legal judgment.'

This is simply a wrong, mistaken decision. Of course, this is not the first time the Supreme Court got it wrong.

In the 19th Century, in the Dred Scott decision, the Court decided that a black man had no rights that a white person had to respect. In the 20th Century, the Court decided in Roe v. Wade that a baby could be killed in her mother’s womb at any time before birth. And now in the 21st Century, the Supreme Court makes another wrong decision.

Bad decisions lead to bad consequences and do not 'settle' anything. Dred Scott made inevitable a bloody Civil War that cost more lives than any other war in our history and the racism that inspired the Dred Scott decision is still a cancer on America’s soul.

Roe v. Wade has resulted in more than 50 million abortions. Yet, abortion still troubles the conscience of America and an increasing majority of Americans reject 'abortion on demand.'

This decision redefining marriage will also bring bad consequences. Losing the understanding of marriage in our culture as a conjugal union of a man and a woman in a permanent and exclusive commitment conducive to welcoming and raising the children born from such a union weakens the family as the basic cell of society; and it imperils the human flourishing of future generations. Allowing 'an act of the will' to be substituted for “legal judgment” is a recipe for tyranny."

Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida, Bishop Leo Frade:

“Today is a joyous day as we celebrate the Supreme Court’s decision to grant marriage equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation. Since 1976, the Episcopal Church has advocated for equal rights for the LGBT community, declaring that we are all children of God and have the same rights as anyone else to the love, acceptance and pastoral care of the Church. We are thrilled that today this vision has become a reality."

Equality Florida, CEO Nadine Smith:

“We are thrilled and relieved. Most of all we are secure -- knowing that our relationships and our families will be respected in every part of America.

We’re also glad that marriage equality, which we worked so hard to achieve in Florida, is now extended to every state in the country. Since same-sex couples began marrying in Florida, we have seen the beauty of love and commitment. We have seen the joy. We’ve seen how it brings families together. We’re happy that people in other states will get to experience this too.

A majority of our Supreme Court, appointed by both Republicans and Democrats, has reaffirmed this most basic premise of our democracy, that all of us are created equal. As Harvey Milk once said, ‘No matter how hard you try, you can never erase those words.’

We must remember too that our work is not done. Marriage equality won’t help a 15-year-old kid who is being bullied in school because of his sexual orientation. It won’t help a transgender person facing derision and exclusion. And it won’t help anyone who can still be legally denied a job, a place to live, or equal treatment in public spaces, because of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Today's victory is a sign of what's right in America -- that all of us matter, that all of us deserve the same freedoms and legal protections. It is also a sign of how broadly and quickly public opinion has changed on this issue. Now we need to harness that energy to finish the work that remains undone.”

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