Business Leaders and Politicians React to Gay Marriage Ruling

June 26, 2015

By Claire Boston44 minutes ago

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to place its imprimatur on gay marriage was hailed by bank and corporate leaders while splitting politicians largely along party lines.

The ruling “will help families across the country, make it easier for businesses to hire and keep talented people and promote both economic growth and individual freedom.” — Lloyd Blankfein, chairman of Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

“When all Americans are treated as equal, we are all more free.” — Drew Houston, chief executive of Dropbox Inc.

“The Supreme Court JUST DID IT. This is a historic day for equality and a moment to celebrate.” — Mark Parker, chief executive of Nike Inc.

“We have taken an important step forward towards building a nation of true equality and inclusion.” — Art Peck, chief executive of Gap Inc.

“Today’s Supreme Court ruling supporting marriage equality makes me proud to be an American.” — Howard Schultz, chief executive of Starbucks Corp.

“Congratulations. Equality for all.” — Marc Benioff, chief executive of Salesforce.com Inc., said on Twitter.

“Our different experiences, backgrounds & perspectives all make us stronger. We celebrate today’s #SCOTUSMarriage ruling.” — Marcelo Claure, chief executive of Sprint Corp., said on Twitter.

“A historic moment and step forward for equality in America.” — Satya Nadella, chief executive of Microsoft Corp., said on Twitter.

“An epic day for gay rights in U.S. A much-needed recognition for millions who have been discriminated against on the basis of who they love.” — Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group Ltd., said on Twitter.

“Today marks a victory for equality, perseverance and love.” — Tim Cook, chief executive officer of Apple Inc., said on Twitter.

“We are thrilled that the Supreme Court has made this historic decision in favor of marriage equality and that our LGBT colleagues and friends now have equality in this fundamental aspect of life.” — Jacques Brand, chief executive, North America, Deutsche Bank.

“Pleased to see #SCOTUS decision on gay marriage…a historic win in the fight for equality for all.” — Jeffrey Immelt, chairman of General Electric Co., said on Twitter.

“It’s a gratifying day for equality under the law.” — Cliff Asness, managing principal at AQR Capital Management.

“This day is for history to remember as one where, as a nation, our laws finally recognize that all people should be treated with respect and dignity.” — Joseph Biden, Democratic U.S. Vice President.

“The Supreme Court should have allowed the states to make this decision…I also believe that we should love our neighbor and respect others, including those making lifetime commitments.” — Jeb Bush, Republican candidate for U.S. president.

“Our work won’t be finished until every American can not only marry, but live, work, pray, learn and raise a family free from discrimination and prejudice.” — Hillary Clinton, Democratic candidate for U.S. president.

“All human beings are created equal by God and thus deserve to be treated with love, dignity and respect. I am, however, disappointed that the Supreme Court disregarded the democratically enacted will of millions of Americans by forcing states to redefine the institution of marriage.” — John Boehner, Republican Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

“This decision is about creating a future where loving, committed families are able to live with dignity. This is about freedom. This is about love.” — Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Minority Leader, U.S. House of Representatives.

“By putting an end to an era of state-sanctioned discrimination, the decision lights the way to a future of acceptance, inclusion and opportunity for gay and lesbian Americans and their families.” — Loretta Lynch, U.S. Attorney General.

“It was one of the last great hurdles. It was an extraordinary civil rights struggle to get to this point. This decision today is not going to stop homophobia, it’s not going to stop bigotry, it’s not going to stop someone from looking at someone else as another.” — Gavin Newsom, California Democratic lieutenant governor, former mayor of San Francisco.

“This is something that should be decided by the people of each state and not imposed upon them by a group of lawyers sitting in black robes on the Supreme Court. That being said, those five lawyers get to impose it under our system. So our job is going to be supporting the law of the land.” — Christopher Christie, Republican governor of New Jersey.

The “Supreme Court has abandoned its role as an impartial judicial arbiter and has become an unelected nine-member legislature. Despite the Supreme Court’s rulings, Texans’ fundamental right to religious liberty remains protected. No Texan is required by the Supreme Court’s decision to act contrary to his or her religious beliefs regarding marriage.” – – Greg Abbott, Republican governor of Texas.

“The ruling does not tell a minister or congregation what they must do, but it does make clear that the government cannot pick and choose when it comes to issuing marriage licenses and the benefits they confer. It is time to move forward because the good-paying jobs are going to states that are inclusive.” — Jack Conway, Democratic attorney general of Kentucky.

I am “very concerned with the overwhelming trend to diminish state autonomy. I believe states should have the right to determine their own laws regarding marriage.” — Gary Herbert, Republican governor of Utah.

“When we passed the Marriage Equality Act in 2011, New York sent a message to the nation that it was time to end one of society’s greatest inequities, and I am thrilled to see the court join us on the right side of history.” — Andrew Cuomo, Democratic governor of New York.

“This is only the latest example of an activist court ignoring its constitutional duty to say what the law is and not what the law should be.” — Carly Fiorina, Republican candidate for U.S. president.

“It means everything. It means the opportunity to live like everyone else.” — Micah Yarbough, a gay man from Falls Church, Virginia, standing outside the U.S. Supreme Court.

“It’s a day of great joy and excitement and hope for the future. Freedom is here. Justice is here.” — Lee Schriber, a gay man with the Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington.