Local elected leaders react to Supreme Court DOMA ruling

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.

"This is a historic day for equal rights in our nation and in Washington state," said Cantwell. "Our state was a trailblazer in recognizing the right of same-sex couples to marry and helped in setting the stage for this historic ruling. All Washingtonians will receive the equal treatment they deserve in the eyes of federal law for the first time. Our state's same-sex married couples will now get the same federal benefits and recognition as heterosexual couples.

"I was proud to join my colleagues in signing an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to declare the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional. I am pleased that the Supreme Court acknowledged this fundamental right."

Former Governor Chris Gregoire

"The Supreme Court has done the right thing and realized that our same-sex, loving families are equal under the law. This is a proud day and to those who have waited so long for it to come, I thank them for never giving up and for not stopping an undeniable truth, that we are all indeed created equal. Here in Washington state we have led the way and today I celebrate with all of our families."

Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash.

"Today's landmark decision by the Supreme Court is a victory for social justice and a major step toward the goal of achieving equality for all in our country.

"Last year, the voters of Washington said loud and clear that all loving couples should be allowed to marry. I am proud to have supported that measure, and today Washington is one of 12 states and the District of Columbia to allow same-sex marriage. I am pleased that the California will once again be among these states.

"The Court today affirmed what Washington voters already know, which is that all loving couples deserve equal treatment under the law. This was the same argument that I and 212 of my colleagues made when we submitted an amicus brief to the Court when making our case that DOMA is unconstitutional. For married gay and lesbian couples throughout the country, today's ruling means that they are now clearly eligible for all the federal protections and responsibilities afforded to other married couples.

"There is still more to do to fully repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and ensure that all couples can benefit from federal marital protections, regardless of where they live. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, I am eager to get to work with my colleagues to ensure these families are treated equally."

Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash.

"Equality had a good day today," Larsen said. "Starting today, legally married couples in Washington state will have their marriages recognized by their federal government.

"I am proud that Washington state voters led the charge for marriage equality, making our state one of the first to legalize same-sex marriage by popular vote.

"As we celebrate this decision, we must also rededicate ourselves to eliminating discrimination in all forms. Congress must pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and the Respect for Marriage Act, to make sure gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people receive equal protection under the law. We must pass the paycheck fairness act, so women will finally earn equal pay for equal work. And we must fight to strengthen voting rights protections, so all Americans can exercise their right to a ballot."

King County Executive Dow Constantine

"I am pleased and proud that the Supreme Court has officially recognized the civil rights of same-sex couples, rights that Washington State voters embraced last year.

Being able to issue the first marriage licenses to happy same-sex couples was one of the highlights of my career. Thankfully, it appears that there will be many more such joyful moments as our nation moves, sometimes slowly, sometimes quickly, ever closer to the ideals announced at our founding. I am proud of King County and Washington State for helping to nudge the nation toward justice."

Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn

"Love and equality prevail. I thank the Supreme Court for overturning the clearly unconstitutional and unjust Defense of Marriage Act. The City of Seattle filed amicus briefs in support of overturning DOMA in part because it forced us to tax our employees in same-sex marriages differently than those in opposite-sex relationships. Same-sex married couples in Washington State will now enjoy full equality in the eyes of the federal government. It is long overdue."

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