Statement from Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown
Re: Supreme Court’s decision on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)

The Supreme Court’s decision on the Defense of Marriage Act elicits strong feelings on all sides: Today, some people feel overjoyed, while others feel devastated. Some people will attend celebrations and others will be at protests. Above all, it is important that this diversity of opinion and speech in our state be respected.

Just as the public is divided over the issue, so is the Legislature.

There is not a unified position at this time among Senate Democrats on the issue of marriage. Each senator will look to his or her values, conscience, faith and constituents in deciding what legislative measures he or she would support. There may very well be calls for full marriage equality for same-sex couples (as in Massachusetts) for civil unions (as in Vermont) and for a constitutional amendment banning both (as in Utah). All of the options will be explored and no doubt debated in the next legislative session.”

Return to Sen. Brown's home page