We are the witnesses to history and not unlike four years ago when we passed marriage equality here in New York State, the Supreme Court has recognized the dignity of love and the humanity of all same sex relationships in this great country. From Augusta, Maine to Anaheim, California, Seattle, Washington to Sarasota, Florida we have now witnesed a national “I DO” with this ruling.

Today’s decision by the Supreme Court adheres to one of the most important principles of our country and affirms what many Federal Courts have already said: differing treatment of one group of citizens versus another group violates the Constitution and as such violates the of civil rights of all of us. Federal laws provide a safety net for married couples in the form of health care coverage, family leave, tax treatment, immigration and many other protections and responsibilities and to deny this safety net to one group of people is legally wrong –and simply morally wrong. The Constitution does not permit anyone to strip away from one group of citizens any freedom, including the freedom to marry.

I look forward to celebrating with my friends and family the final victory that our Country will recognize our loving committed relationships. This is the moment that the Gay and Lesbian community can claim as one step closer to be fully equal under federal and ALL state’s law with the recognition of our marriages for what they are: the commitment of two loving, dedicated adults who want to build a family, supporting each other emotionally and financially while sharing in the benefits and the responsibilities of the union of marriage. As the Supreme Court's summary states, "The history of marriage is one of both continuity and change."