In light of the Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage announced on Friday, June 26, Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller is asking Hoosiers to remain respectful of each other and of the nation’s high court.
- RELATED: Supreme Court rules same-sex marriage is legal in all 50 states, June 26, 2015
- RELATED: Read the full opinions from the Supreme Court justices
“We urge all Hoosiers whether they agree or disagree with the outcome to show civility toward each other and show respect for the Supreme Court’s authority and the judicial system,” Zoeller said in a statement released Friday. “After two years of legal uncertainty, state governments at last have a final ruling from the Supreme Court, and the public interest in this case underscores the central role and importance of the institution of marriage in our society.”
Several other politicians and political groups also issued statements on the landmark decision.
South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, who came out as gay earlier this month, expressed his happiness over the decision on Twitter.
Good day for equality in America. #LoveIsLove
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) June 26, 2015
He expanded on his views in a statement sent Friday afternoon.
“Today’s ruling means that millions of Americans will live freer and more equal lives,” he said. “That includes thousands of people right here in South Bend, so it’s a good day for our whole community.”
U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-IN) applauded the decision.
“I welcome today’s Supreme Court ruling that all Americans are now free to marry whom they love,” Donnelly said in a statement. “We are a stronger state in Indiana and a stronger country when we support inclusion, respect, and equality for all Americans.”
U.S. Sen. Dan Coats (R-IN) disagreed with the court’s ruling, saying that his Christian faith leads him to believe that marriage is “solemn covenant made between a man and a woman before God.”
“It is my long-held opinion that this deeply personal issue — which divides many families and friends — should be decided by the voters in each state,” Coats said in a statement. “Now that the Supreme Court has imposed its own definition of marriage, we must ensure that religious freedom is protected across America. Established in our nation’s founding days and sustained for over 200 years, religious liberty is at the very core of our system of government and our way of life. All people of all faiths must have the right to exercise their faith within the bounds of our justice system.”
Gov. Mike Pence found the decision disappointing.
“Like many Hoosiers, I believe marriage is the union between one man and one woman, and I am disappointed that the Supreme Court failed to recognize the historic role of the states in setting marriage policy in this country,” he said in a statement. “Nevertheless, our Administration will continue to uphold the rule of law and abide by the ruling of the Court in this case.”
Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Gregg celebrated the Supreme Court’s decision.
“Today’s historic decision by the U.S. Supreme Court is an affirmation of that core American principle that all individuals are created equal and should be treated as such regardless of what they look like, where they live or who they love,” he said in a statement. “Hoosiers and all Americans face great challenges in the years ahead, but we will only be able to meet them if we stand together. There can be no room in our state or nation for discrimination of any kind and today’s court ruling is another step in that direction.”
This story will be updated.