Politics & Government
Campbell Reacts to Supreme Court Decision on Same-Sex Marriage
Tell us your reactions in the comments below.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 on Wednesday that the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional, a declaration that pleased local elected officials and and residents in Campbell.
"It is a great day to be a gay American and to finally, after 19 years together, for my partner Bruce and I to finally get equal recognition by the our government," says Campbell Vice Mayor Rich Waterman.
He and his partner Bruce Scholes were married in 2008 when California made it legal to wed. The two live in Campbell.
“As the mayor of Campbell, I celebrate with families and the nation on this historic day," says Campbell Mayor Evan Low. "As an openly gay mayor who was able to officially marry others, but not get married myself, I have renewed faith in our democracy and applaud those who have advocated and fought for true equality.
"The next step is to win the hearts and minds of others in the 38 states that still prohibit gays and lesbians to marry."
Assemblyman Paul Fong issued this statement:
“The U.S. Supreme Court took an important step by striking down the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act. It correctly rights a wrong in our country’s history and provides for equal treatment for same sex couples under federal law. The Court’s ruling guarantees equal protection to all members of our society, regardless of sexual orientation.”
“Though the decision was not a universal decision on the constitutionality of same sex marriage, I am heartened that same sex marriage can continue in the state of California. This is a historic victory but our nation’s movement for equality and justice for everyone in this country are far from over. As we move forward, we must remain committed to fight discrimination and to protect the rights of all Americans.”
State Representative Anna Eshoo released this statement:
“Generations of Americans have fought for the preeminent promise of our country—that every person is afforded the same fundamental rights as stated in our Constitution, with the promise of liberty and justice for all.
"It is a great day to be a gay American and to finally, after 19 years together, for my partner Bruce and I to finally get equal recognition by the our government," says Campbell Vice Mayor Rich Waterman.
He and his partner Bruce Scholes were married in 2008 when California made it legal to wed. The two live in Campbell.
“As the mayor of Campbell, I celebrate with families and the nation on this historic day," says Campbell Mayor Evan Low. "As an openly gay mayor who was able to officially marry others, but not get married myself, I have renewed faith in our democracy and applaud those who have advocated and fought for true equality.
"The next step is to win the hearts and minds of others in the 38 states that still prohibit gays and lesbians to marry."
Assemblyman Paul Fong issued this statement:
“The U.S. Supreme Court took an important step by striking down the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act. It correctly rights a wrong in our country’s history and provides for equal treatment for same sex couples under federal law. The Court’s ruling guarantees equal protection to all members of our society, regardless of sexual orientation.”
“Though the decision was not a universal decision on the constitutionality of same sex marriage, I am heartened that same sex marriage can continue in the state of California. This is a historic victory but our nation’s movement for equality and justice for everyone in this country are far from over. As we move forward, we must remain committed to fight discrimination and to protect the rights of all Americans.”
State Representative Anna Eshoo released this statement:
“Generations of Americans have fought for the preeminent promise of our country—that every person is afforded the same fundamental rights as stated in our Constitution, with the promise of liberty and justice for all.
“Today, the decisions of the Supreme Court make real the words and the promise of our Constitution by striking down unfair barriers for same-sex couples and returning marriage equality to California. Now, the fullness of our Constitution reaches into the lives of millions of Americans, making our nation a more perfect union.”
Local businesses are also celebrating in their own way.
Gabrielle's Bridal Atelier is offering a free veil with your purchase of a wedding gown through July 6th.
Hobee's Restaurants posted an image of a rainbow coffee cake the restaurant made for a Rainbow Chamber of Commerce event last year on their Facebook Page today.
"My partner Peter (a co-owner and the son of the founder) and I have been together for 23 years," says Hobees President and Los Altos resident Edward Fike. "Notwithstanding our relationship, Hobee's has always been a company that promotes inclusivity, equality and respect for our employees and customers. It's exciting to watch history unfold!"
We asked our Facebook readers this question: #SCOTUS struck down #DOMA, making #gaymarriage legal. What's your one-word reaction?
Here's what they had to say:
- Dave: Whoopdeefrickendoo.....
- Joanne: EQUALITY!
- Camille: Yes!
- Dave: Now can we all realize its actually 2013, not 1813 & worry about things that really affect other peoples lives. If there's a VALID argument against gay marriage, lets hear it, not just "its nasty, or wrong" that's NOT a valid reason...
- Salina: Finally!
- Gabrielle: Sale!
- Nadeem: yipee
- Julie: Legalizedgaymarriagesolvesnationaldebt!
- Heather: Woo hoo!!!!! (Ok. That's two words.)
- Shannon: YEEESSSS!
- ShannonRudy: Need cake?
- Courtney: Celebrate
- Nicki: Finally!!
- Cheryl: Awesome!
- Linda: itsaboutfreakintime! (that's one word, right?)
- Marie: Finally!
- Stefanie: FINALLY!!!!!!
Find out what's happening in Campbellwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here
