“I join millions of Pennsylvanians today in supporting the federal court’s decision. When Rep. Stephen McCarter and I introduced the Pennsylvania Marriage Equality Act last fall, we recognized that numerous legal challenges throughout the commonwealth had the potential to bring marriage equality much faster to the state, while our legislators sat on the sidelines. Today, a federal court in Pennsylvania has affirmed what a majority of Pennsylvanians already support: the fundamental right to marry the person they love.”
— state Rep. Brian Sims (D-182nd Dist.)
“If the ruling is ultimately not appealed, this day will be seen as a day when full equality came to Pennsylvania. When LGBT Pennsylvanians can say they have the same rights as everyone else, it is truly an historic day that will be marked every year with a celebration.”
— state Sen. Daylin Leach (D-17th Dist.)
“I think this day is going to be the most memorable day for just about every Pennsylvanian who wanted to see equal rights for everyone and it will be one of those days when you remember where you were when you heard the news.”
— state Rep. Stephen McCarter (D-154th Dist.)
“This is historic because it just simply promises Pennsylvania that everyone is equal and fair and people are more supportive and a whole class of people have been recognized and that is history. This makes us a better commonwealth and a better place.”
— Ted Martin, executive director of Equality Pennsylvania
“I am very happy for all the people who have been together for all of these years and always wanted to get married but couldn’t. I am glad people do not have to move out of Pennsylvania and that the state has come into the 21st century and has made it a level playing field for all Pennsylvanians. People have fought long and hard and should feel a sense of accomplishment. It is a terrific day.”
— City Councilman-at-Large Jim Kenney
“This is just a wonderful day for LGBT equality and for love and marriage. I felt confident knowing that Judge Jones was the one ruling on the case and that he would rule on the right side of love.”
— Janice Rael, co-chair of The Summit
“As far as I can remember, all I ever wanted was to play house with the person I love. When you grow up and find a life partner, what you are doing is playing house because it isn’t real to other people. I am just glad for the next generation and I know it will be easier for people.”
— Franny Price, director of Philly Pride Presents
“This is the day that the courts have enacted full marriage equality for same-sex couples — not partial equality, not just recognition of marriages performed in other states — but the same rights, responsibilities and privileges that come with marriage.”
— Gloria Casarez, Philadelphia’s director of LGBT affairs
“Today, we rejoice and celebrate the court’s decision that love between two women or two men in the state of Pennsylvania is now entitled to the same dignity, respect and protection under the law as love between opposite-sex partners. Tomorrow, we renew our fight for full equality in this state. Our LGBT community must be protected from discrimination in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodations. Philadelphia won this battle in 1982 and it is long past time for Pennsylvania to follow suit.”
— Sherri Cohen, Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club board member