Home News Minnesotans react to Supreme Court victory on marriage equality

Minnesotans react to Supreme Court victory on marriage equality

Andy Birkey
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Minnesotans react to Supreme Court victory on marriage equality

The United States Supreme Court ruled 5-4 on Friday that states cannot ban same-sex marriage, ushering in marriage equality to all 50 states as well as territories such as Puerto Rico. In the decision, Justice Anthony Kennedy writing for the majority wrote:

“Their hope is not to be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from one of civilization’s oldest institutions. They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right.The judgment of the Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit is reversed. It is so ordered.”

Sen. Scott Dibble and Rep. Karen Clark released a joint statement on Friday praising the decision:

“This is a moment for tremendous celebration all across the country. Today the Supreme Court recognized that marriage is about love and family, and that every marriage is equal.
We’ve made great strides in recent years since Minnesota became the first state where voters rejected a constitutional amendment to bar marriages in 2012, and then the 12th state to recognize all marriages in 2013. Residents in 37 states now enjoy the freedom to marry, and this decision opens up that right to families in the entire country. Social recognition and access to literally thousands of rights, benefits and guarantees means that families will be more secure, and our communities will be stronger for that.
We are so proud of the work of hard working people – activists, our families, our allies — all across the country as they persevered these many years for the rights of all Americans. We’ve taken one more huge step on that long journey towards freedom in our country. Today, once again, love prevails!
We are excited to celebrate this incredible moment with our community this evening at Mattie’s on Main, 43 Main Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota, at 4 p.m., along with OutFront Minnesota.”

Monica Meyer, of OutFront Minnesota, wrote:

Today’s ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges vindicates the arguments Jack Baker and Mike McConnell, a brave Minnesota couple, brought to the justice system for the first time over 40 years ago, mere months after the Stonewall riots we commemorate each June at Pride. It vindicates the courageous refusal of Minnesota voters in 2012 to limit the freedom to marry. And it vindicates the commitment shown by Minnesota legislators, and Governor Dayton, in enacting marriage-equality legislation two years ago. It also is a testament to the hard work of thousands of courageous and vigilant Minnesotans who worked, and continue to work, to make the dream of equity for LGBTQ Minnesotans a reality.

The US Supreme Court has sent a message today to every young LGBTQ person that they matter. That they and their relationships are entitled to dignity, respect, protection, and inclusion within the fabric of our national community. That message will resonate regardless of age, or desire to marry. Simply put, lives will change. For many in our community, today’s announcement will be one of those moments in our lives that we remember for years to come.

Rep. Keith Ellison:

“Yesterday, Americans in 13 states couldn’t marry the people they love. Today, thanks to the work of millions, that number is zero. The Supreme Court decision today means no state can discriminate against an American because of who they love.
“The fight for equal rights is not over – too many gay and lesbian Americans are fired from their jobs and pushed out of their communities because of who they love. But today all people committed to equality can celebrate. Martin Luther King Jr. said the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice. The Supreme Court’s decision reminds us that when we organize and stand together, it bends a little bit faster.”

Sen. Amy Klobuchar:

“This is a momentous day in our country’s pursuit of equality and justice. The Supreme Court has affirmed what many states, including Minnesota, have already proudly recognized: same-sex couples deserve the right to marry. We still have more work to do to advance the cause of equal treatment under the law, but today’s decision is a major milestone for our country and a great victory for those who have fought tirelessly to make marriage equality a reality.”

Congresswoman Betty McCollum:

“Today is a wonderful day for so many loving families across this country who will now have access to all of the rights that marriage brings. Congratulations to those families and loving couples who will seet heir lives enriched by today’s decision.

“While today’s ruling will provide security, stability and basic rights for many families, there is still more that must be done to ensure our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender friends and neighbors are fully equal under the law. Congress must move swiftly to pass the Employment Non Discrimination Act (which Minnesota passed in 1993) guaranteeing full workplace protections to all Americans regardless of who they love. Today is a monumental step towards equality for the LGBT community. I hope that we will build on this progress and continue to create a better and more equal country for today and tomorrow.”

Gov. Mark Dayton:

“What a great day for America! This decision is a huge step forward, toward equal rights and guarantees for all citizens under our Constitution.”

Lt. Gov. Tina Smith:

“Our nation was founded on the principle that all people deserve equal protection under the law. Today, the Court upheld that basic promise in all 50 states, and confirmed what Minnesotans have known for years — that love is love. While this is a major victory, there is more work to be done. We need to continue fighting until all Americans have equal rights and protections guaranteed by our Constitution.”

DFL Minority Leader Paul Thissen:

“I applaud the Supreme Court for following our lead in Minnesota and ensuring every American can marry the person they love.

“In Minnesota, we’ve been leading the way in this fight as the first state to reject a constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage and the first state in the Midwest to then legislate marriage equality. Minnesotans helped build a nationwide movement for marriage equality and equal rights that has culminated in today’s victory for all Americans.

“Minnesotans stood on the right side of history and then helped shape it for the better. I congratulate everyone who worked to make this day a reality and I join you in celebrating this moment of progress for our nation’s future.”

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman:

“Just two years ago, rainbow flags flew over Saint Paul’s Wabasha Street Bridge, spanning the mighty Mississippi River. Marriage equality had become law in our state. It required decades of fearlessness, hard work and faith on the part of millions of individuals across our state to reach that milestone. Today’s ruling by the High Court means love is now the law across our nation – and I have never been more convinced that we are at our best as a city, state and nation than when we reach for and achieve equality.”

Sen. Al Franken on Twitter:


The Column will add more reactions as we receive them.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar on Twitter:

Rep. Betty McCollum on Twitter:

Rep. Tim Walz on Twitter:

Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges on Twitter

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman on Twitter

The Current has a rundown of reactions from Minnesota musicians.

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