Senate Values Action Team:
In response to today’s Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, please see Senate VAT leaders’ comments below:
Senator Blunt: “I’m disappointed in this decision. My view is that family issues in Missouri like marriage, divorce, and adoption should be decided by the people of Missouri.”
Senator Scott: “I continue to believe that marriage is between one man and one woman. The Supreme Court’s overreach into decisions that should be made by states and the people living and voting in them is disappointing. Moving forward, we must ensure families and religious institutions across America are not punished for exercising their right to their own personal beliefs regarding the traditional definition of marriage."
Senator Ernst: "I am disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision and its failure to recognize the freedom of our states to make their own decisions about their respective marriage laws. While it is my personal belief that marriage is between one man and one woman, I maintain that this is an issue best handled at the state level.”
Senator Lankford: “I am disappointed with today’s ruling on marriage. During oral arguments the Court stated that there is a millennia of history for traditional marriage and that the issue has historically been decided by the people, not the courts. Two years ago, the Supreme Court even ruled that marriage policy is a state issue, but today they reversed themselves and redefined marriage over the objection of millions of people.
“Just like there remains a diversity of opinion on abortion, decades after Roe v. Wade, there will remain strong opinions on marriage long past today’s decision. Many Americans believe marriage is between a man and a woman, and we need to celebrate marriage as the best way to provide stability for children. For people who live by the clear teaching of many different faith traditions and people who simply believe in the sanctity of marriage, it is essential that their views are respected. As President Obama has said there are good people on both sides of the issue. After the ruling, the President was right to call the nation to respect and revere our nation’s ‘deep commitment to religious freedom.’ We should all be able to agree that everyone deserves the right to live out their religious convictions.
“I believe each person is created in the image of God and has value and worth; every person should be respected. That belief defines my respect for people as individuals but it also sets a standard that will not change with a Supreme Court decision. Now the Courts will be required to also stand for the First Amendment of the Constitution and the faith traditions of millions of Americans.”
Justice Anthony Kennedy acknowledged the importance of religious freedom in the written decision. Kennedy wrote, “It must be emphasized that religions, and those who adhere to religious doctrines, may continue to advocate with utmost, sincere conviction that, by divine precepts, same-sex marriage should not be condoned. The First Amendment ensures that religious organizations and persons are given proper protection as they seek to teach the principles that are so fulfilling and so central to their lives and faiths, and to their own deep aspirations to continue the family structure they have long revered.”
After the Supreme Court announcement during a press conference at the White House, President Obama said, “I know that Americans of good will continue to hold a wide range of views on this issue. Opposition in some cases has been based on sincere and deeply held beliefs. All of us who welcomed today's news should be mindful of that fact. Recognize different viewpoints. Revere our deep commitment to religious freedom.”
