MEDIA RELEASE

Gov. Neil Abercrombie strongly supports the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act in United States v. Windsor, which will now afford full federal rights to all couples married in states that allow same sex marriage.

Abercrombie said:

“In Hawaii, we believe in fairness, justice and human equality, and that everyone is entitled to the same rights and responsibilities as everyone else, including the ability to get married. So I am pleased that the Supreme Court, in the Hollingsworth v. Perry case, did not overturn the federal district court’s ruling striking down Proposition 8 – which attempted to bar same sex marriage in California – thereby effectively allowing same sex couples in California to be married.

“Although the Supreme Court did not directly require that same sex couples in other states be allowed to marry, I am encouraged by the fact that language in the Windsor ruling supports my position in the Hawaii lawsuit, which is currently pending in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. In that lawsuit, I argue the Constitution’s equal protection clause requires same sex marriage in all states, including Hawaii.

“I believe my position to support a constitutional right to same sex marriage in Hawaii and elsewhere was given a substantial boost by today’s Supreme Court rulings. I will continue to work to assure justice and equality for all.”

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House Speaker Joseph Souki

House Speaker Joseph M. Souki issued the following comment on the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling striking down the provision of a federal law denying federal benefits to married gay couples.

“We will be having full discussions with the members of the majority caucus on the ruling and its ramifications. I expect we will come to some decision as a caucus as to how we want to proceed.”

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Sen. Brian Schatz

“The Supreme Court deeming the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional is a victory for all Americans. Today’s decision means that LGBT individuals across the country are given the same rights under federal law as every married couple, and equal treatment under the law. Because of this decision, the federal government can no longer tell men and women who they can or cannot marry, and same-sex married couples can now enjoy the same federal benefits as the rest of us. I have always believed in marriage equality, and will continue to do everything in my power to help our LGBT friends and loved ones achieve equality.”

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Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard released the following statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s decisions on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and California’s Proposition 8:

“I applaud the Court’s decisions to uphold the constitutionally guaranteed protections and equality to which we are all entitled. Ultimately, government should have no place in the most personal aspects of our lives. Until that day comes, all people must be treated equally under the law. The Supreme Court’s ruling is welcome.”

After being sworn into Congress in January, Gabbard expressed strong support for the Respect for Marriage Act, which would have repealed DOMA, and co-sponsored the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which protects employees from being fired for their sexual orientation.

In addition, Gabbard has also encouraged Hawaii state lawmakers to pass legislation that would ensure fair and equal treatment for all of Hawaii’s citizens.

To read the entire U.S. Supreme Court opinion, visit: http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/12pdf/12-307_g2bh.pdf