HRC Back Story

Here are statements from California Members of Congress in response to the state supreme court ruling in favor of marriage equality. Following the ruling yesterday, we posted statements from Speaker Pelosi, DNC Chair Howard Dean and Gov. Schwarzenegger.

We'll post additional statements here from members of the California congressional delegation as they come in:

Congresswoman Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D): 

This is the right decision for California and I hope the rest of America will follow suit.  Marriage is a civil right.  When we withhold it from one segment of the population we are doing a disservice to the principles of fairness and equality upon which our country was founded.  I will continue to work in Congress to achieve this level of equality on the issue of marriage as well as related issues like the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, a policy that is preventing otherwise fully qualified men and women from serving their country in the military and by doing so damaging the readiness of our Armed Forces.

Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (D):

Like many Californians, I am thrilled by this morning’s decision by the California Supreme Court to overturn the ban on same sex marriage.  This is a historic day for the State of California and for the tens of thousands of gay and lesbian couples whose love for each other is just as real as that of any other couple.  Although today’s ruling is significant, we still face challenges ahead.  So, while we are jubilant in the wake of this news, we must also remain committed to ensuring that today’s court decision becomes a reality.

Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D):

I applaud the California Supreme Court’s decision today to strike down the state’s ban on same-sex marriage.  This is the defining civil rights issue of the decade and the justices appropriately recognized the importance of not discriminating against those wishing to commit to a familial relationship.  As a State Senator, I was honored to officiate at over twenty weddings for gay and lesbian constituents.  It is encouraging that the four-judge majority included three Republican jurists, perhaps signaling the end of marriage equality being used as a partisan political wedge.

Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (D):

The California Supreme Court ruling says loud and clear that California will not tolerate second-class families.  We are all created equal.  As a champion for civil rights, I welcome this ruling.Now we must make every effort to preserve justice by defeating the anti-marriage ballot initiative this November.

Congressman Pete Stark (D):

The decision by the California Supreme Court is marvelous news for all opponents of discrimination. We are one step closer to full equality and one step away from a policy determined by bigotry.  I’m sure the right-wing extremists will wage a tough, nasty fight this November to try to undo this decision, but I’m confident that the people of California will come down solidly on the side of human rights.

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D):

California has a history of leading the nation on important issues and this ruling is certainly in keeping with that history.  I applaud the ruling which makes it clear that the state constitution provides the same rights and protections for everyone.

Congresswoman Lois Capps (D):

This is a momentous day for the State of California and for those who value family rights and civil rights for all.  Once again, California has stepped up and been a leader in protecting equal rights for all of its citizens.  This decision will strengthen families across the state and ensure that gays and lesbians in committed relationships will be able to enjoy the same rights and privileges as heterosexual couples.  Providing rights to gay and lesbian couples through a separate system of domestic partnerships, while a step forward, is not enough.  Today’s decision affirms the fundamental American principal of equality for all.