Supreme Court strikes down DOMA and rejects Prop 8 challenge.

Kari Chisholm

By a 5-4 vote along ideological lines, the Supreme Court today struck down the federal Defense of Marriage Act. By a 5-4 vote, in a scrambled alliance, the Court also rejected the standing of the opponents of California's Prop 8, opening the door for same-sex marriages to resume.

Basic Rights Oregon and the Oregon United for Marriage campaign have announced a rally in Portland's Terry Schrunk Plaza for 5 p.m. today. Details here.

Senator Ron Wyden tweets:

I said no to #DOMA from day 1 & am glad to see SCOTUS say no today. Equal protection means protection for everyone. Plain & simple.

Senator Jeff Merkley, in a statement:

This Supreme Court decision that the federal government must recognize all marriages is a huge stride forward for equality and fairness. No one should be denied equal rights because of whom they love and discrimination has no place in our laws.

Congressman Peter DeFazio tweets:

I fought to stop DOMA in 96 bc it was unconstitutional & discriminatory. Took too long, today #SCOTUS was right.

Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, in a statement:

The decisions striking down the Defense of Marriage Act and leaving in place the District Court’s ruling against California’s Proposition 8 represent a historic moment for America and another leap toward equal rights for all Americans regardless of sexual orientation. As a nation, we have finally arrived at the obvious conclusion that the validity of a marriage is not subject to popular vote, but instead guaranteed as a matter of right. Love has replaced hate as the governing factor in the decision of same sex couples to marry.

Congressman Earl Blumenauer, on Facebook:

Striking down DOMA was a 5-4 decision, but it was a victory nonetheless. There will still be lingering pockets of resistance, hostility, bigotry, and discrimination, but it will no longer be sanctioned by federal policy. And that is the critical difference. Once it is no longer legal to discriminate, then we are truly in the homestretch for the type of society we want.

But, before we start the next chapter, it is fitting that we celebrate this moment; the accomplishment, what it represents, and what it will mean for America.

Governor John Kitzhaber, on Facebook:

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision is a proud moment for the nation. In Oregon, it underscores the urgency of extending the freedom to marry to all our citizens.

Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian, in a statement:

Earlier this morning, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned DOMA, affirming that all caring, committed couples who marry deserve equal treatment under law. Our country is changing – and the decision today represents an important step in that larger journey of understanding. Oregonians are fundamentally fair; we treat others as we want to be treated ourselves. And with today’s ruling, it’s clear that as a state, we control our own destiny and now have the chance to have our laws match our highest ideals. That unfinished business is strengthened by conversations taking place in living rooms and coffee shops around the state as more Oregonians open their hearts to civil marriage for all loving, same-sex couples.

Speaker Tina Kotek, in a statement:

I am thrilled by the U.S. Supreme Court’s actions today. The decision is an historic affirmation of the love and commitment shared by same-sex couples across our great country. The Supreme Court’s decision sends the message that committed couples and their families deserve equal legal rights, protections, and respect.

In Oregon, the rulings of the highest court in the land offer support and hope for our efforts to achieve marriage equality in 2014.

On Facebook, Treasurer Ted Wheeler reacted by asking supporters to go sign up for the Oregon United for Marriage campaign.

More as it rolls in...

By Kari Chisholm June 26, 2013