WPRO News
Rhode Island leaders were lavish with praise Friday after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down state bans on same-sex marriage. Many issued statements or took to social media to express their approval.
“Today is a victory that is truly decades in the making and ends long-standing discrimination against the LGBT community in the context of marriage,” said openly gay Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI) in a statement.
“I applaud the Supreme Court’s decision and thank the many citizens and advocates across the country who have dedicated so much of their time and energy to make this day possible. This decision affirms the core American value of equal justice under the law by giving every American full marriage equality.”
Cicilline said that in the coming weeks he will introduce a comprehensive LGBT anti-discrimination bill ” to ensure that LGBT Americans are free from discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and other core areas of daily life.”
Fellow Rhode Island Congressman Jim Langevin took to social media. “This is a historic day. Huge step forward for not just #marriageequality for for equality of all people.”
Massachusetts’ openly gay Attorney General, Maura Healey tweeted: “Today’s decision by #SCOTUS is a huge victory for the equality & dignity of all Americans. #MA4Equality”
Gov. Gina Raimondo tweeted: “Today is a great day #LoveWins #SCOTUS”
Former State Representative Ray Sullivan, who spearheaded Rhode Island’s campaign to approve same sex marriage in 2013 tweeted: “Great day to be an American. Fondly remembering all those who fought for this day. Love wins. #SCOTUS #LoveCantWait”
From Central Falls Mayor James Diossa: “Historic day in America! Love wins! #SCOTUSMarriage”
Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza tweeted: “Today, we celebrate an incredible victory. Very proud that #SCOTUS ruled that all Americans have the right to marry the person they love.”
Former State Senator Dawson Hodgson, who ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for Rhode Island Attorney General tweeted: “Freedom, dignity, and equality before the law. A joyous day for families across America! #SCOTUS”
Democratic U.S. Senator from Massachusetts Elizabeth Warren posted to Twitter: “Woo-hoo! Love wins!!! #lovewins”
Rep. Joe Kennedy III, (D-Mass.) tweeted: “Feeling your country bend towards justice is an incredible thing #loveislove #EqualityForAll #SCOTUSMarriage”
Rhode Island Roman Catholic Bishop Thomas Tobin issued a statement:
“A thousand courts may rule otherwise, but the very notion of “same-sex marriage” is morally wrong and a blatant rejection of God’s plan for the human family. As Pope Francis taught while serving as Archbishop in Argentina: “Same-sex marriage is not simply a political struggle, but it is an attempt to destroy God’s plan. It is a move of the ‘father of lies’ who seeks to confuse and deceive the children of God.”
