WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Statements from the LGBTQ Caucus: marriage equality finally guaranteed in every state

OLYMPIA – Today the United States Supreme Court issued its much-awaited ruling on marriage equality across the country.

In a landmark decision that will finally secure marriage rights for all couples, the Court ruled state bans on same-sex marriages across the country unconstitutional under the Fourteenth Amendment, effectively granting couples in all 50 states the right to marry.

Washington voters approved marriage equality in 2012.

In response, Washington State House and Senate members of the LGBTQ Caucus released the following statements:

Rep. Laurie Jinkins (D – Tacoma): “Today millions of committed and loving couples across the nation felt the arc of human history bending toward justice.  I am overjoyed that so many Americans will now be able to share in the same joy my wife and I had when we were finally guaranteed marriage equality under the law. The Court made the right decision, constitutionally and morally, and put our nation on the right side of history — the side of justice.”

Rep. Christine Kilduff (D – University Place): “I’m proud of America today and proud that the voters of Washington state led the nation on marriage equality. This is a pro-family, pro-marriage decision that reinforces the fundamental American principle that all citizens are created equal — and should be treated equally under the law.”

Rep. Brady Walkinshaw (D – Seattle): “After today, citizens across our country won’t have to decide where they live based upon who they love.  I’m so proud of our state’s historic vote in 2012 that helped to build this powerful movement for equality.  It’s time to celebrate for the families across our country who will no longer be denied their basic rights and for the future generations that will grow up in a country that recognizes that who you love has equal value under our law.”

Rep. Jim Moeller (D – Vancouver): “Today is a day to celebrate love, marriage, and equity. Whether your family is made up of two men, two women, or one of each, the law demands that we all are treated equitably. I applaud the court’s decision today which affirms the bedrock principle of equal protection under the law.”

Rep. Joan McBride (D – Kirkland): “What wonderful news! I applaud the Supreme Court’s decision today to fully recognize the marriages of all loving couples regardless of their sexual orientation nationwide. This is day to be proud of our country.”

Sen. Jamie Pedersen (D – Seattle): “Because of today’s decision, the relationships of couples and families all across our country will now be legally protected and respected.  I am proud of the role that Washington’s legislature and voters played in the rapid and dramatic progress that our country has made toward the promise of equality for all.”

Sen. Marko Liias (D – Mukilteo): “Today, the age-old promise of liberty and justice for all became more real for millions of Americans — including me. This is a historic day for gay and lesbian families. The Supreme Court has affirmed once and for all that our love is just as sacred and deserves equal treatment under the law.”

In recognition of today’s decision, the Tacoma and Seattle communities are hosting events and discussions on marriage equality.

Tacoma

Rainbow Center and Oasis at 5:00 p.m.

March to Union Station Federal Court House

2215 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, WA 98402

Seattle

United States District Court at 5:00 p.m.

700 Stewart St, Seattle, WA 98101