On the record… Reaction to the marriage equality ruling in Wisconsin

U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb on June 6 issued a ruling that Wisconsin’s constitutional amendment against same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. “Quite simply, this case is about liberty and equality, the two cornerstones of the rights protected by the United States Constitution,” she wrote in her 88-page opinion.

The responses:

“Today I join my lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender friends in Wisconsin and across the nation as we celebrate a profound victory towards giving the LGBT community the fairness they have long deserved. No one should be barred from marriage due to sexual orientation or gender identity. This is a great day in Wisconsin history, as we have officially declared that love is love.”

— Democratic U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore of Milwaukee

“The federal district court in Madison took another step toward ensuring full equality for every American. It is clear the growing momentum of support for marriage equality will put an end to discriminatory laws that treat LGBT couples as second-class citizens. In ruling after ruling, it has become unmistakable that the promise of America is everyone should be treated equally and with dignity.  Today’s ruling brings us one step closer to fulfilling that promise.”

— openly gay U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, who married his husband in 2006

“I have been waiting decades for this day to finally arrive and we won’t make loving couples wait longer than they want to to get married.”

— Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele

“I am proud of today’s decision that ends the ban that has kept LGBT couples from legally expressing their love for one another. Wisconsin has finally joined the wave of states across the country who have maintained the freedom to marry. My own brother, Jacob, was recently married to his husband because of the overturning of the ban in Oregon. I hope the ruling is maintained, as our state must never stand in the way of love.”

— Jonathan Brostoff, candidate for the 19th Assembly District

“Today is a great day for Wisconsin and committed couples who love each other across the state. Every loving couple should have the freedom to marry whomever they choose, and the fact that this freedom is now available in Wisconsin is something we all can and should be proud of.”

— Mary Burke, Democratic candidate for governor

“In our country’s history, the courts have often been the place oppressed citizens go for justice. Usually, the system works, because, as a wise civil rights leader once said, ‘the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.’ Today, we see justice.”

— Ron Zerban, Democratic candidate for Congress in

“Across the country, the courts agree: same-sex couples and their families need the dignity of marriage, and anti-marriage laws are indefensible. With over 70 marriage cases now making their way through the courts, today’s decision in Wisconsin underscores that all of America is ready for the freedom to marry. It’s time now for the Supreme Court to bring resolution nationwide.”

— Evan Wolfson, founder of Freedom to Marry

“I always felt like we were second-class citizens in not being able to get married. And now I feel good about my state in a way I haven’t before.”

— the Rev. Andrew Warner, who married Jay Edmundson in Milwaukee