A ruling by U.S. District Judge Brian Morris overturning Montana’s ban on same-sex marriage made the state the 34th in the country to permit gay marriage.
Reactions to Wednesday’s decision:
- Montana Gov. Steve Bullock:
“Today’s decision ensures we are closer to fulfilling our promise of freedom, dignity, and equality for all Montanans. It is a day to celebrate our progress, while recognizing the qualities that bind us as Montanans: a desire to make a good life for ourselves and our families, while providing greater opportunities to the next generation.
“I have instructed my administration to quickly take all appropriate steps to ensure that we are recognizing and affording the same rights and responsibilities to legally married same-sex couples that all married Montanans have long enjoyed.”
- Montana Attorney General Tim Fox
“It is the attorney general’s sworn duty to uphold and defend Montana’s constitution until such time as there is no further review or no appeal can be made in a court of law. Fulfilling that duty, the state of Montana will appeal this ruling in light of the fact that there are conflicting federal court decisions and no final word from the U.S. Supreme Court.”
- U.S. Rep. Steve Daines, R-Mont:
“I respect the decision made by the people of Montana, and am disappointed that an unelected federal judge has ignored Montanans’ voice in our state’s marriage laws. I strongly believe in marriage as the union of one man and one woman and will continue working to defend the family.”
- U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont.:
“I applaud today’s ruling,” Tester said in a statement. “It aligns our laws with our values and is a big step forward for our state. Denying same-sex couples the right to marry denies them happiness and equal protection under the law.”
- U.S. Sen. John Walsh, D-Mont.:
“Throughout my 36 years of service in the military, as Lt. Governor, and now as U.S. Senator, I’ve been proud to fight for our freedoms. Today’s overdue court ruling reflects our Montana values of individual freedom, fairness and equality. I believe every Montanan - our sons, daughters, friends and family - should live free of discrimination.”
- ACLU of Montana legal director Jim Taylor:
“This case is about equality and basic fairness,” Taylor said. “The courts have recognized that there is no legitimate basis on which to deny the right to marry to committed same-sex couples. All Montanans have an equal right to the legal protections and respect that marriage brings. This ruling takes that constitutional principle of equal protection and makes it a reality in Montana.”
-Montana Family Foundation President Jeff Laszloffy:
“While we’re disappointed in the decision, we will not despair, we will not throw in the towel and we will not give up. Laws may change, but the definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman is timeless.”
Please read our comment policy before commenting.