On Friday, in its second historic ruling of the week, the U.S. Supreme Court made marriage legal in all 50 states, regardless of the couple’s gender. Here are all the official statements from Connecticut’s delegation to Washington.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal
“This ruling reaffirms why we are the greatest, freest nation in the history of the world — because we respect every individual’s equal right to liberty, no matter where they live, who they are, or whom they love. Today will go down in history as momentous for all Americans, making our nation an even brighter beacon of hope and opportunity for all.
“This ruling marks a transformative moment in our nation’s history, but it builds on everything before. Our gratitude goes to all whose courage and strength and struggle won this day.”
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Sen. Christopher Murphy
“Today I feel so proud to be a citizen of a country that can have the courage to get right what it got wrong for so long. Who you are, who you love, and what you feel should never be reasons for discrimination. Though we have a long way to go, the Supreme Court’s decision on marriage equality this morning takes a giant stride toward eliminating such prejudices across all institutions in America. I’m thrilled that the justices ruled in favor of common sense and equality, and I stand with them in my unwavering support for the LGBT community.”
Rep. John Larson, D-1st District
“Throughout history, we have too often seen discrimination based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and more. A single court decision cannot erase the struggles of the past, but today’s ruling represents a tremendous step towards realizing our nation’s long-stated goal: that all Americans deserve access to the same rights and freedoms. While the fight against discrimination continues, I am excited to celebrate this victory. I commend Justice Kennedy for taking such an obvious and progressive stance.
“Congratulations to every American today. I am proud to live in a country that continues to call for true equality.”
Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District
“The Supreme Court today issued the right decision in recognition of the intent of Congress, and for the millions of Americans who now have access to quality, comprehensive health insurance coverage thanks to the Affordable Care Act. While the language of the law was challenged, there was never a question about the intent of the Affordable Care Act — to provide subsidies for all qualifying Americans to help them afford health insurance, regardless of which state they live in.
“I hope this significant 6-3 majority decision will move us past the repetitive attacks in Congress, where the Republican majority has held more than 60 votes to undermine or repeal the law while offering no plan to replace it. Now, it is time for Congress to work together to make smart, focused improvements to the law that will help advance the goal of providing quality, affordable health insurance coverage to every American family.”
Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3rd District
“I am thrilled that the Supreme Court has recognized the right to marriage for all Americans, regardless of who they love. Barring LGBTQ Americans from marriage violates the values we hold dear — justice, freedom and equality. It makes no difference whom someone loves and denying them the same rights as heterosexual couples is just plain wrong. Today’s decisions will make us a stronger, fairer and better nation.”
Rep. James Himes, D-4th District
Himes did not immediately release a statement following the Supreme Court’s Friday ruling, though he did release the following statement in April, after the court began hearing arguments on the issue.
“Less than two years ago, the Supreme Court righted a terrible historical wrong and overturned the Defense of Marriage Act. As a proud, lifelong supporter of marriage equality, I have been so pleased to witness same-sex couples marrying in more and more states across the country since the Windsor decision.
“But discriminatory state marriage bans still prevent thousands of committed same-sex couples from enjoying the same rights and benefits as their fellow Americans. And states with these laws continue to ignore legal marriages that were performed in places like Connecticut, which has helped lead the way on equality. I joined my Democratic colleagues to file an amicus brief calling on the Supreme Court to throw out these unconstitutional bans that deny the right to marry to so many. I am hopeful the Court will both rule in favor of countless loving couples across the United States and be on the right side of history by recognizing full marriage equality nationally.”
Rep. Elizabeth Esty, D-5th District
“I commend the Supreme Court on its historic decision,” said Rep. Esty. “Today, we celebrate with countless Americans who have faced systematic discrimination because of who they love. Now, all Americans will have equal access to marriage and we have enshrined in our law that same-sex couples deserve the same recognition from their government as their neighbor.
“The Constitution is a living document for a dynamic people. Today’s decision will take its place in the pantheon of historic cases honoring our nation’s enduring promise that every person is deserving of dignity, respect, and equality under the law.
“But let’s remember: this struggle is far from over. This is personal for many families, including my own. My brother had the courage to come out in 1978, when equality was still a distant dream. We still have work to do in our efforts to advance equal rights for all Americans. We need to ensure that no one is denied employment, housing, opportunities, or benefits because of their sexual orientation.”
Jordan Fenster is an award-winning freelance journalist. He lives with his family in Fairfield County. He can be reached by or @JordanFenster on Twitter.
