“justice that arrives like a thunderbolt” – Pres. Barack Obama
“The Attorney General’s Office has an obligation and duty to defend the constitutionality of Ohio laws, including constitutional amendments passed by Ohio voters. Ohio’s involvement in this case has been to defend the voter-passed amendment. While Ohio argued that the Supreme Court should let this issue ultimately be decided by the voters, the Court has now made its decision.” -Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine
“In 2013, I decided to support marriage equality after I came to understand this issue better in the context of my own family. I can’t help but view today’s Supreme Court decision through that same lens. And as a father, I welcome today’s decision. As I have said before, I would have preferred for this issue to be resolved by the democratic process in the states because I think you build a more lasting consensus that way. Now the Court has reached its decision, I hope we can move past the division and polarization the issue has caused.” – U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio)
“I am pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the ban on same-sex marriage because it represents true equality for all, regardless of who they love. This decision reflects the inclusiveness and support for marriage equality for same-sex couples in Columbus, the state of Ohio and throughout the nation.” – Mayor Michael Coleman (D-Columbus)
“Today, five unelected justices decided to redefine the foundational unit that binds together our society without public debate or input. Now is the people’s opportunity respond because the future of the institution of marriage is too important to not have a public debate.” – Former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) presidential candidate
“I join all Ohioans in applauding today’s decision by the Supreme Court of the United States to grant all couples the right to marry if they so choose. From this day forward, all families – including families like mine – have the opportunity to experience the full depth and breadth of constitutional equality and the freedom to celebrate the love that binds our family, and all families – including those of same sex couples. This ruling gives me hope that sometime in the near future, Jean Kosmac, my partner of 21 years, and I will gather our daughters, friends and family and legally marry – a decision the State of Ohio has denied to us until today.” – Ohio Rep. Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood)
“This is a momentous win for freedom, equality, and most of all, love. This ruling will bring joy to families in Ohio and across the country, and a final victory to the decades-long freedom-to-marry movement.” -Christine Link, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio.
“Thanks to the United States Supreme Court, marriage equality has finally come to Ohio…Now, the Ohio General Assembly needs to get to work to change any laws that discriminate against same sex couples. A good way to start is by allowing same-sex marriages and receptions to be held at the Statehouse. The Statehouse is the “People’s House,” and I remain committed to making sure that everyone who wants to marry there can. In light of today’s Supreme Court decision, I call on the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board to change its discriminatory policies immediately.” – Ohio Rep. Michael Stinziano (D – Columbus)
“We congratulate our many friends and relatives who, for the first time, will be able to enjoy the same right to marriage as their neighbors regardless of whom they happen to love.” – Franklin Co. Commissioners