Politics & Government

Strong Reaction in Maryland to Supreme Court Ruling on Same-Sex Marriage

Elected officials, religious leaders and advocacy groups all weigh in on the rulings on the Defense of Marriage Act and California's Proposition 8.

Two decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court in support of same-sex marriage have brought swift comments by government officials, religious leaders and advocacy groups in Maryland.

The court Wednesday struck down the federal Defense of Marriage Act that prevented same-sex couples from accessing federal benefits. It also ruled that same-sex marriage in California should stand, saying that some parties in the case seeking to overturn a lower court ruling striking down Proposition 8 had no standing to do so. 

The court did not address whether or not same-sex marriage is a right under the Constitution. The ruling Wednesday on California's Proposition 8 does not affect other states that have already rejected laws banning same-sex marriage. 

Last year, Maryland became one of three states to legalize same-sex marriages. Voters in Maryland rejected an attempt to overturn the law through referendum. 

• Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin: "By striking down as unconstitutional the provision of the Defense of Marriage Act that limited federal marriage benefits to opposite sex couples, the Supreme Court has affirmed that there is no place for discrimination in America based on sexual orientation. Government should not interfere in the ability of men and women to marry the person they love, and they should be entitled to the same benefits as heterosexual couples, including tax benefits, rights of inheritance, health insurance, and legal marriage."

• Rep. Andy Harris, a Cockeysville Republican:  "I am glad the Supreme Court upheld the right of states to define marriage as between one man and one woman - as an overwhelming majority of states currently do. At the same time, I'm disappointed that the unelected Court overruled the will of the elected Congress on this issue."

• Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley: “This ruling is a powerful step forward for those who live in states like Maryland. But the Court’s decisions make clear that there is still more work to do as a nation to achieve greater respect for the equal rights and human dignity of all. 

"As Marylanders, and as Americans, we ultimately all want the same thing for our children: to live in a loving, stable, committed home protected equally under the law.”

• Maryland Attorney General Douglas Gansler, Democrat: "Today is a historic moment in civil rights history, with Supreme Court decisions striking down Section 3 of DOMA as unconstitutional and dismissing the Proposition 8 appeal, letting stand a district court opinion declaring that law unconstitutional and paving the way for marriage equality in California. Now we must work together to write the next chapter – achieving marriage equality in all 50 states.”

• Carrie Evans, executive director of Equality Maryland: "Today is an enormous victory and a joyous day for same-sex married couples and their families – and for equal justice under the law. Today, the Supreme Court affirmed that all loving and committed couples who marry deserve equal legal respect and treatment. "

•Archbishop William Lori: “The Supreme Court’s decisions to overturn Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act are the latest in a troubling trend of decisions by lawmakers, judges, and some voters which ignores the fundamental truth about marriage: it is the most valued, most important social unit in our society and as such is deserving of the protection and special recognition societies have afforded it throughout human history.  Today’s decisions will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences, most especially for children, and are another serious blow to the institution of marriage.    

“Sadly, the Courts have chosen to follow at a time when our Nation most needs strong leaders—leaders who wish to promote strong families instead of dismantling them.  In a society such as ours, the Catholic Church may indeed be counter-cultural in its defense and promotion of a family built on the foundation of a healthy marriage between a man and a woman.  Our consistent teaching on marriage is reflective of our respect for the dignity of the human person and the belief that children have the best chance to succeed when raised by both a father and a mother."


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