—U.S. Representative Mike Quigley, D-Ill.: "I applaud the decisions of the federal district court. I agree that the Defense of Marriage Act is an unconstitutional intrusion into state and individual rights, and I will continue to push for its repeal. These decisions affirm Lincoln's statement at Gettysburg that this nation is always moving towards freedom and equality for all."
—Andrea Crain, Join the Impact-Chicago: "In a court with a fair judge, the pro-equality case comes into sharp focus and the other side's irrational fears amount to a blurry mess. Obama's Justice Department should not try to defend this irrational law in court."
—Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois: "DOMA was ill-conceived and was never grounded in sound public policy. Its only aim was to deny recognition of same-sex couples by any means necessary. That's why we are all the more pleased that the federal district court has found the key provisions of the law unconstitutional."
—June LaTrobe, transgender liaison for Center on Halsted: "I was very pleased to see the federal courts take steps to return what properly belongs in the states power. I see it as another step forward in applying existing laws to the discrimination which takes place against the broad rainbow community."
—Democratic Congressional candidate Dan Seals: "I am encouraged to see that a federal court has recognized the Defense of Marriage Act's unconstitutionality and will reiterate my support for DOMA's full repeal. It is a disappointing injustice that same-sex couples don't have the same rights—be it healthcare, employment benefits, or tax fairness — that my family does.
—Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis.: "I am thrilled by Judge Tauro's decision that declares part of the Defense of Marriage Act ( DOMA ) unconstitutional. This is a tremendous victory for all who believe in equal rights and a dramatic confirmation of justice under law.
By ruling that DOMA violates the Fifth and Tenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution, Judge Tauro affirmed states' rights of sovereignty and individual rights to due process. Put simply, his rulings confirm what we already know—there is no legal basis for discrimination against same-sex couples."
—State Rep. Greg Harris: "It's just becoming more and more clear with each passing decision of courts and each passing positive decision of legislatures that marriage equality's time has come. For all the activists who have worked for so many years on this issue, you're beginning to see legislation take root on this issue. Each step forward is a big step. History is on our side, and justice is on our side."
—Christopher Clark, Lambda Legal attorney: "We're very excited about the decision. We think it's a very well-reasoned decision. It's unclear at this point exactly what the decision will mean for people living in Chicago who were married elsewhere…We think this is a stirring victory for the LGBT community and it is clear that DOMA has to go."
—Kate Sosin
