Reaction to Tuesday’s decision by U.S. District Court Judge John Jones III to strike down Pennsylvania’s 1996 banning recognition of same-sex marriages:
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“Now, in our home, we are married.”
-Plaintiff David Palmer, who sued with partner Edwin Hill after getting married in Maine last year.
“Another wonderful day for liberty and justice for all in Pennsylvania.”
- Witold J. Walczak, legal director, American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania.
“Marriage is beautiful indeed, and the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference does not support this judge’s redefinition of this fundamental human institution.”
-The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference.
“What Judge Jones has done is extralegal, going beyond what the law or the constitution requires and the fact that he is allowing, or apparently allowing, same-sex marriage licenses to be distributed immediately undermines the Democratic process.”
- Michael Geer, president, Pennsylvania Family Institute.
“The opinion’s just been published. We’re currently reviewing all the legal issues presented in the opinion.”
- Joshua Maus, spokesman for Republican Gov. Tom Corbett.
“Our commonwealth progressed today and so have the hopes and dreams of many who suffer from inequality. Today, in Pennsylvania, the constitution prevailed.”
- Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane.
“Today, an activist judiciary has substituted its judgment in place of the law created by the elected representatives of Pennsylvania and has stifled the ongoing debate of people with differing points of view. … This complete disregard of the important roles held by each branch of government is just another reason why we need to elect principled people to office to uphold our Constitution.”
- Pennsylvania Republican Party chairman Rob Gleason.
“This was the right decision and is a step forward for equality in our commonwealth and in the nation.”
- U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa.
“We celebrate this great decision today to allow all couples the freedom to marry, and we will encourage the governor not to appeal.”
- Ted Martin, executive director of Equality PA
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