Local Leaders Share Support For SCOTUS Ruling On Same-Sex Marriage
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Lots of people around the country showed their support for the Supreme Court's ruling on same-sex marriage Friday.
And that support included many people locally.
Following the announcement, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto shared his excitement over the ruling by taking to Twitter, saying:
And State Attorney General Kathleen Kane released a statement saying:
"Today's landmark Supreme Court decision affirming the legality of same-sex marriage is a victory not only for same-sex couples, their families and children, but affirms the rights of all citizens for equal treatment under the law. Our great nation spends billions of dollars protecting the civil rights of human beings around the world. It is appropriate that in our system of justice, we vigorously defend our Constitution in every instance and protect the civil liberties of those here at home as well."
Other Pittsburghers were eager to share their support as well Friday.
"I agree 100 percent," said Gwen Miller of Shadyside. "I think it's the best thing that's ever happened to this country."
The ruling came just over a year after same-sex couples in Pennsylvania were granted the right to marry.
"It's a great day for everyone in the United States, because now people who want to marry the person they love are able to do that," said Christine Bryan with the Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh.
Additionally, The Delta Foundation hosted an LGBT community event in Shadyside Friday night to celebrate the ruling. The corner of Maryland Avenue and Ellsworth Avenuetransformed into a big party.
Dozens of same-sex couples and supporters gathered there to celebrate the landmark high court decision.
"Thank you to the many plaintiffs both here in Pennsylvania and all over the United States. You and your families were very, very brave," said one of the speakers at the event. "Thank you to the lawyers, the marchers, and our straight allies."
While there was a celebratory tone in Shadyside in the wake of the decision, many say there are still major legal issues that need to be addressed, including here in the state of Pennsylvania.
"We, at Equality Pennsylvania, are trying to pass the bill, HB 300, which is sponsored by Dan Frankel, in order to make it illegal to fire someone for being gay in the state of Pennsylvania," said Michael Testa, the president of Equality Pennsylvania.
And while many Pittsburghers seemed happy about the Supreme Court ruling, not everyone agreed.
"I'd have to say that it is a genuine and serious disappointment for me, because I believe that the Supreme Court has crossed the line in defining marriage," said Bishop David Zubik with the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh.
But for others, the decision changes the one thing some have feared.
"As a gay woman, myself, it's very exciting that whenever I do decide to get married, I can cross state lines and know that it's valid," said Kaitlin Mausser of Edgewood.
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