Statement of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg::
“The rights of men and women should not be dependent upon who they love and who they chose to spend their lives with. The Supreme Court’s decision to review the constitutionality of DOMA is the right decision and one that brings us another step closer to full marriage equality. The history of our country is defined by the progress we have made expanding the definition of equality to all people, of all races and both sexes. The Supreme Court Justices have often played a central role in these debates, and now they will have a chance to do so again.”
Statement of City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn:
“I am pleased to learn that the Supreme Court of the United States has agreed to hear cases on marriage equality, including the Edie Windsor case involving the Defense of Marriage Act and the challenge to California’s Proposition 8.
“I am confident that the Court will reach the same conclusion as the Court of Appeals and affirm that Edie Windsor cannot be denied the right to have her marriage, or the securities that come with it, recognized by the federal government. I am also confident that court will affirm the Ninth Circuit’s decision that Prop 8 violates the Equal Protection Clause. I am inspired by Ms. Windsor’s tenacity and courage to continue this fight all the way to the Supreme Court, as well as all the participants in these cases who have worked so hard to change the discriminatory laws of the country.
“Until all same-sex couples have equal rights regardless of who they love, we will continue this fight.”
