Gay marriage: Tennessee reacts to landmark decision

With a narrow one-vote margin, the nine member U.S. Supreme Court officially recognized the legal authority for same-sex couples to be married.

It's a decision that's been a long time coming and offers equal rights and protections, in the view of one Tennessee leader. But the ruling doesn't mean Tennesseans will be happy about recognizing same-sex marriages, argues at least one state official.

The landmark decision prompted a flurry of comments from politicians, supporters and opponents. Here's what they've said so far:

Gov. Bill Haslam, R-Knoxville:

"The people of Tennessee have recently voted clearly on this issue. The Supreme Court has overturned that vote. We will comply with the decision and will ensure that our departments are able to do so as quickly as possible."

Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III:



"Today's United States Supreme Court decision not only changes the definition of marriage, but takes from the states and their citizens the longstanding authority to vote and decide what marriage means. To the Tennessee citizen who asks 'Don't we get a chance to vote on this in some way?' the answer from the Supreme Court is a resounding, 'No, you do not.' For the Court to tell all Tennesseans that they have no voice, no right to vote, on these issues is disappointing. The Court, nevertheless, has spoken and we respect its decision. Our office is prepared to work with the Governor and the General Assembly, as needed, to take the necessary steps to implement the decision."

Spokesman for U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.:

"Senator Alexander believes that states should decide how to define marriage, but he recognizes that this U.S. Supreme Court decision is now the law of the land."

U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Tenn.:

"Love and equality win. I'm glad the Supreme Court ruled on the right side of history."

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn.:

"I hope today's Supreme Court ruling can put this issue to rest and that the Tennessee General Assembly does not attempt to thwart or undermine the ruling by passing legislation making it more difficult for Memphians like Ijpe DeKoe and Thom Kostura to exercise their constitutional rights. As the Supreme Court has now said, denial of marriage rights is clearly a denial of equal protection, regardless of its effectiveness as a means to score political points at the expense of yet another minority group. As we have seen today, courage and justice always overcome cowardice and prejudice."

U.S. Rep. Diane Black, R-Tenn.:

"With the drop of a gavel, five Supreme Court justices have silenced the voices of thousands of Tennesseans. I have always believed that marriage is a sacred promise between man, woman, and God. I respect that others may disagree and I believe that we should encourage a thoughtful, open dialogue about this issue in the individual states – not attempt to cut off debate by imposing a sweeping, fixed interpretation of marriage nationwide. Sadly, that is exactly what the court has done."

U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn.:

"Todays Supreme Court decision is a disappointment. I have always supported traditional marriage. Despite this decision, no one can overrule the truth about what marriage actually is — a sacred institution between a man and a woman. I have always believed marriage is between one man and one woman and I will continue to work to ensure our religious beliefs are protected and people of faith are not punished for their beliefs."

Nashville Mayor Karl Dean:

"I am pleased that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that same-sex marriage is now legal in Tennessee. I joined Mayors for the Freedom to Marry last year because I believe all people should be treated fairly and equally and that everyone's individual dignity should be respected. Welcoming and supporting people of all backgrounds and beliefs make our city stronger."

Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, R-Blountville:

The Supreme Court today issued an unfortunate and fundamentally wrong opinion. In 2006, not even a decade ago, over 80% of Tennessee voters issued a strong mandate in favor of traditional marriage. Today, the Supreme Court declared that mandate null and void.

While the Supreme Court did not stand up for traditional marriage, this decision does not end the institution. The federal government may have the ability to force Tennessee to recognize same-sex unions but it cannot and will not change the hearts and minds of conservatives and traditionalists in Tennessee and elsewhere.

Senate Minority Leader Lee Harris, D-Memphis:

"I want to congratulate all the people who can now look forward to a wedding day right here in their home state, and I want to congratulate the plaintiffs from Tennessee who worked so hard for this historic day.

"Many of us have been fighting this battle against discrimination for a long time and put in so much effort. I still have the battle scars from our fight with the City of Memphis to expand anti-discrimination protections to the LGBT community. It has been a long, difficult road to get here. And now we can celebrate."

Senate Democratic Caucus Chairman Jeff Yarbro, D-Nashville:

"Today's historic ruling is another step in our country's long march toward equality for all Americans," state Sen. Jeff Yarbro said. "I congratulate not only those who have fought so hard for justice, but also all couples whose loving relationships will now be afforded the legal respect they deserve."

Rep. Andy Holt, R-Dresden:

"God is the real supreme court!"

House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh, D-Ripley:

"While I recognize this is an emotionally charged issue and there are many Tennesseans who are disappointed in the decision, I firmly believe that civil marriage is a fundamental right for all people, regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation and that there should be no governmental interference with the bond that two loving people have for each other.

"Today's Supreme Court decision affirms this founding principle."

Davidson County Clerk Brenda Wynn:

"(The Tennessee Attorney General's Office) have assured the County Clerks that they will provide timely guidance regarding changes to the documents and processes required under state law. This office is honored to have an important role in upholding the rights of couples to marry and is fully committed to implementing the necessary changes as quickly and efficiently as possible. Our office will provide timely updates to our citizens as we know more."

Doug Hallward-Driemeier



Attorney who represented Tennessee same-sex couple in case before Supreme Court:

"Today's landmark decision in Obergefell v. Hodges marks a turning point in American history. It affirms that LGBT people have the same constitutional rights of liberty and equality as others do. The Court's ruling means that same-sex couples can experience the rights and privileges of marriage in any state in our union. No longer will married same-sex couples face the prospect of their family relationships being dissolved upon crossing state borders."

"We are one very significant step closer today to fulfilling the Constitution's promise of equal protection for all our people. Today, a same-sex couple in Knoxville, Tennessee enjoys the same right to marry, and to remain married, as a couple in New York City."

Mary Mancini

Chairwoman, Tennessee Democratic Party:

"With today's decision we see that love and respect has triumphed and we rejoice knowing that every person has the right to marry the person they love. Today is a day that Democrats celebrate with those couples as they build strong families while securing a future for themselves, in Tennessee and across our nation."

Ryan Haynes

Chairman, Tennessee Republican Party:

"Tennesseans overwhelmingly voted to define marriage as between one man and one woman. If a change was to be made, it should have been allowed to play out through the democratic process but, unfortunately, today's judicial activism short-circuits that ability. While this has long been pushed by the Democrats' agenda, the issue is far from settled."

Megan Barry

Nashville mayoral candidate:

"We have worked hard to make Nashville a warm and welcoming place to all who enter – no matter where you were born, no matter how you got here, and certainly no matter whom you love. Now that marriage equality is the law of the land, I hope that the State of Tennessee will fully join the City of Nashville in embracing equality by removing any last vestiges of discrimination that still exist in our laws."

Jeremy Kane

Nashville mayoral candidate:

"Children like my three-year-old daughter Wells won't remember a time without marriage equality and that's beautiful. #SCOTUSmarriage

"This morning, the Supreme Court ruled that all loving couples deserve marriage equality. I look forward to celebrating our progress with everyone at the Nashville Pride festival this weekend. Love conquers all."



Bill Freeman

Nashville mayoral candidate:

"Today is a historic day in our country and I am very pleased the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage is now legal in every state, including Tennessee. Nashville is a vibrant city of inclusion that supports equality and dignity for ALL its residents. Now the law reflects that sentiment and I am proud of our country."

David Fowler

President, Family Action Council of Tennessee:

"Today a handful of Americans on the Court have stripped the people of the freedom to democratically address the meaning and role of society's most fundamental institution, marriage. The majority have arrogantly said they are not only smarter than the 50 million Americans who have voted to affirm marriage as the union of a man and a woman, but also millions of human beings over thousands of years across the entire globe."

Reince Priebus

Chairman, Republican National Committee

"As a Party, we believe in the importance of traditional marriage between a man and a woman and remain committed to finding common ground to champion the family's role in society. Marriage is critically important to strengthening our country and our communities. Likewise, we will remain champions of religious liberty. Today's ruling cannot and must not be used to coerce a church or religious institution into performing marriages that their faith does not recognize."

Ryan Anderson



The Heritage Foundation's senior research fellow

"Today is a significant setback for all Americans who believe in the Constitution, rule of law, democratic self-government, and marriage as a union of one man and one woman. The Court got it wrong: it should have not mandated all 50 states to redefine marriage."

This is a developing story. Check for updates at www.Tennessean.com as more reactions come in.

Reach Dave Boucher at 615-259-8892 and on Twitter @Dave_Boucher1.