



In a statement, Johnson said, “When I announced my support for gay marriage equality, it was based on the simple notion that denying gay couples the right to marry, under the law, is discrimination.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals panel’s ruling that California’s Proposition 8 is unconstitutional validates that notion, and is a step in the right direction toward treating all Americans equally when it comes to insuring access to the rights and benefits of legal marriage.

“Many Americans have strongly held religious beliefs and other opinions regarding gay marriage. Those beliefs should be respected. However, it is not the business of government to determine which of those beliefs should be reflected as matters of law or rights under the Constitution.”