Gov. Mike Pence 'disappointed' in marriage equality ruling

Republican Gov. Mike Pence: "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. Nevertheless, our Administration will continue to uphold the rule of law and abide by the ruling of the Court in this case. Under our system of government, our citizens are free to disagree with decisions of the Supreme Court, but we are not free to disobey them. As we move forward as a state and a nation, Hoosiers may be assured that our Administration will respect the law and the dignity and worth of every Hoosier and every Hoosier family."

Greg Zoeller, Republican, Indiana Attorney General: "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. 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."

Micah Clark, executive director of American Family Association of Indiana: "Because of our complimentary and unique biological gender differences, marriage is the special, timeless, union of a man and a woman. No court in the world can rewrite this reality designed by God in the beginning. Marriage is not simply the affirmation of the desires of a vocal few asking a court to create a new normal. We are disappointed that the court chose not to allow the people or the states to decide this matter. Five justices on the Supreme court forced a new definition of marriage upon all of America. ... This sweeping decision will cause division for decades to come. Even worse, it will harm the freedoms of conscience and religion of millions of Americans who still believe the truth about marriage as the special union of a man and a woman which best serves the needs of children and society."

Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane, D-Anderson: "Today's ruling reinforces the belief that a solid majority of Hoosiers have already expressed: that marriage equality is a matter of fundamental fairness. This ruling makes even clearer the need to extend Indiana's civil rights protections to members of the LGBT community. The journey toward equality in the Hoosier state has been winding but today's decision signifies a momentous victory along that path. This decision gives ultimate resolution to same-sex couples recently married but unsure upon what legal ground their nuptials stood. This decision adds significance to the growing chorus of Hoosiers who have and continue to say it's time to outlaw discrimination in Indiana. Today we celebrate progress. Tomorrow we begin anew our efforts to make sure everyone knows that Indiana is an accepting and welcoming state that does not discriminate."

Katie Blair, campaign manager for LGBT-rights group Freedom Indiana: "So many families have waited so long for this day that it hardly seems real, but the Court made clear today that all Americans should have the freedom to marry the person they love. ... Hoosier couples won the freedom to marry last June. And now same-sex marriage is the law of the land in the United States. As we celebrate this victory for families across our nation, we must not forget that our work here is not done. In Indiana, you can still be fired, denied housing or turned away for service because you are gay. Without statewide nondiscrimination protections in place, LGBT Hoosiers have to seek out inclusive communities. They should feel welcome everywhere, and we'll continue our fight to update state civil rights laws to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Just as all Americans should have the freedom to marry, we want to make sure all Hoosiers have the freedom to live, work and play in our state with no fear of discrimination."

John Zody, chairman of the Indiana Democratic Party: "In Indiana, we believe a good government is one that solves today's problems and improves the overall well-being of hardworking families. Today's ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court to allow full marriage equality nationwide reaffirms this principle. The hard work and efforts of so many in Indiana is now not only vindicated, but also lets same-sex couples know they are on equal footing to their peers. While we still have more work to do to ensure every single Hoosier is protected under our civil rights statutes in Indiana, today's ruling shows that we're one step closer to equality under the law. That is a freedom we should all be proud of."

Indiana House Democratic Leader Scott Pelath (Michigan City): "The highest court in the land has struck a blow for common sense. Our justices have declared that archaic state laws should not stand in the way of two people who love each other and want to marry. Most Americans have been accepting of this day for quite a while now, and perhaps some will also recognize a bit of irony. The final impetus toward lifting a ban on marriage came from the overzealous efforts of lawmakers who could not question their own backward thinking enough to see that our world has changed. Their miscalculations finally went too far, and now they must begin to make peace with their irrational fears."

U.S. Rep. Andre Carson, D-Ind.: "Today's Supreme Court decision is another step forward to ensure fairness and equality for all. Today we recognized what we already know, all American families are equal in every way. Today's ruling is a critical step in ensuring that no one in this country suffers discrimination because of their race, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. I applaud the court's decision and send my sincerest congratulations to the couples around the country who have waited so long to gain this important right."

Curt Smith, president, Indiana Family Institute: "Americans of faith must prepare for the inevitable: the further erosion of our once precious, constitutionally guaranteed religious liberty. As sexual license increasingly trumps religious freedom, you and I and everyone who believes in God's definition of marriage must expect to be targeted. Those who oppose the biblical view of marriage will now try to silence us on this and other matters of religious conscience."

John Gregg, Democratic candidate for Indiana Governor: "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. 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."

U.S. Sen. Dan Coats, R-Ind.: "Decisions of faith are the most personal and precious we make in this lifetime. Guided by my Christian faith, I believe that marriage is a solemn covenant made between a man and a woman before God. I also believe we should live our lives rooted in love and respect for our neighbors, regardless of their personal decisions or religious convictions. 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. 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."

Chris Morehead, president Indy Pride: "With a 5-4 historic decision, the Court has ruled in favor of marriage equality in the United States of America by recognizing that marriage is a fundamental right afforded to all couples, regardless of sexual orientation. We could not be more thankful for all those who have fought along the way. We are thankful that the message of the fight for equality was not only heard, but understood. Indy Pride looks forward to celebrating marriage equality for all, today and long into the future."

Chuck Brewer, Indianapolis mayoral candidate, Republican:

"Today is a memorable day. I want to offer sincere congratulations to the people across America who have worked for many years to reach this historic outcome.

It is important to remember that there are indeed good people on both sides of this debate, but now is the time to come together and move forward. #IndyWelcomesAll"

Former U.S. Attorney Joe Hogsett, Indianapolis mayoral candidate, Democrat: "Today's decision is a victory for thousands of families in Indianapolis and millions across the United States. We are blessed to live in a city that truly welcomes all, and I'm proud that our country has taken this historic step toward greater equality for all."