As the news that the Supreme Court would not hear arguments on same-sex marriage, thus opening the doors to marriage equality in five more states and starting the path for more spread, politicians on many levels responded publicly. Five in particular headed to Twitter to make their positions on the same-sex marriage decision clear, public, and permanent.
In no particular order, here are those governors.
John Hickenlooper (D) is the Governor of Colorado. On Tuesday, Colorado began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. On Monday, Hickenlooper tweeted.
Today’s SCOTUS decision means we are that much closer to declaring #MarriageEquality for all Coloradans. #huzzah http://t.co/IxN92pX4cn
— John Hickenlooper (@hickforco) October 6, 2014
Governor Pat Quinn (D), of Illinois, tweeted his pleasure as well. His state was not directly affected, as it legalized same-sex marriage earlier this year.
I applaud today’s Supreme Court decision to reject appeals that would prevent loving couples from joining together in marriage.
— Governor Pat Quinn (@GovernorQuinn) October 6, 2014
Each state that lifts unconstitutional bans against marriage equality & allows couples to marry equally is a victory for our entire country.
— Governor Pat Quinn (@GovernorQuinn) October 6, 2014
New York’s Governor Cuomo (D) was also celebratory. New York has had marriage equality since 2011 , according to LGBTQ Nation .
Great news for #MarriageEquality expanding to more states across our nation thanks to #SCOTUS decision letting lower court rulings stand.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) October 6, 2014
Gary Herbert, Governor of Utah, was a rare Republican governor to tweet his response to the marriage decision. He expressed opposition to the Supreme Court’s decision not to hear same-sex marriage cases, but with respect and class, in a series of several tweets. Utah was, of course, one of the states whose same-sex marriage ban was being appealed to the Supreme Court. He further promised his state would uphold the law and respect marriage rights.
I am surprised and disappointed that #SCOTUS has made the decision not to consider Utah’s case, or any similar case from another state.
— Gary R. Herbert (@GovHerbert) October 6, 2014
People of Utah & across the country deserve clarity with respect to the law. It’s best if that clarity comes from the nation’s highest court
— Gary R. Herbert (@GovHerbert) October 6, 2014
While I continue to believe states should have the right to determine their own laws regarding marriage, we will uphold the law.
— Gary R. Herbert (@GovHerbert) October 6, 2014
Each state agency has been advised to begin today to recognize all legally performed same-sex marriages.
— Gary R. Herbert (@GovHerbert) October 6, 2014
I encourage all Utahns, regardless of their personal beliefs on this issue, to treat each other with respect.
— Gary R. Herbert (@GovHerbert) October 6, 2014
Since Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe, of Virginia, has expressed his stance on same-sex marriage rights before, there’s little surprise in his reaction. In addition to ordering all counties to begin issuing same-sex marriage licenses by 1pm Eastern on Moncay, he tweeted.
Today’s ruling is a long & overdue moment for our Commonwealth and country. http://t.co/SAILQkLTZa
— Terry McAuliffe (@GovernorVA) October 6, 2014
Equality for all men & women regardless of their race, color, creed or sexual orientation is intrinsic to the values that make us Virginians
— Terry McAuliffe (@GovernorVA) October 6, 2014
There will be a number of changes in the days to come but on the heels of this Supreme Court decision, the first few days of response from our elected officials on their social media accounts paints a thumbnail picture of where same-sex marriage equality stands in our country today.
[Photo: Davidlat ]
