Governor’s Statement on Same Sex Marriage Rulings by U.S. Supreme Court

News Release from Office of the Governor June 26, 2013

HONOLULU – Gov. Neil Abercrombie strongly supports the decision by the United States Supreme Court to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act in United States v. Windsor, which will now afford full federal rights to all couples married in states that allow same sex marriage.

Gov. Abercrombie stated:

“In Hawaii, we believe in fairness, justice and human equality, and that everyone is entitled to the same rights and responsibilities as everyone else, including the ability to get married. So I am pleased that the Supreme Court, in the Hollingsworth v. Perry case, did not overturn the federal district court’s ruling striking down Proposition 8 – which attempted to bar same sex marriage in California – thereby effectively allowing same sex couples in California to be married. 

“Although the Supreme Court did not directly require that same sex couples in other states be allowed to marry, I am encouraged by the fact that language in the Windsor ruling supports my position in the Hawaii lawsuit, which is currently pending in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. In that lawsuit, I argue the Constitution’s equal protection clause requires same sex marriage in all states, including Hawaii. 

“I believe my position to support a constitutional right to same sex marriage in Hawaii and elsewhere was given a substantial boost by today’s Supreme Court rulings. I will continue to work to assure justice and equality for all.”

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Background: Jackson v Abercrombie