The 2016 Republican candidates for president are
not all on the exact same page in their responses to the Supreme Court decision that will extend marriage equality across the nation. None are happy, but several, particularly including those who are betting their campaigns on getting the religious right vote in Iowa and South Carolina, are over the top in their fiery denunciations:
- Mike Huckabee: "I will not acquiesce to an imperial court any more than our Founders acquiesced to an imperial British monarch. We must resist and reject judicial tyranny, not retreat."
- Rick Santorum: "The Court is one of three co-equal branches of government and, just as they have in cases from Dred Scott to Plessy, the Court has an imperfect track record. The stakes are too high and the issue too important to simply cede the will of the people to five unaccountable justices."
- Bobby Jindal: "Marriage between a man and a woman was established by God, and no earthly court can alter that.
- Scott Walker: "I believe this Supreme Court decision is a grave mistake. Five unelected judges have taken it upon themselves to redefine the institution of marriage."
Others are looking more toward the general election, with more measured and acquiescent—though still disapproving—statements:
- Ben Carson: "While I strongly disagree with the Supreme Court's decision, their ruling is now the law of the land."
- Lindsey Graham: "I am a proud defender of traditional marriage and believe the people of each state should have the right to determine their marriage laws. However, the Supreme Court has ruled that state bans on gay marriage are unconstitutional, and I will respect the Court's decision."
- Jeb Bush: "I believe the Supreme Court should have allowed the states to make this decision. I also believe that we should love our neighbor and respect others, including those making lifetime commitments. In a country as diverse as ours, good people who have opposing views should be able to live side by side."
- Marco Rubio: "This decision short-circuits the political process that has been underway on the state level for years. "While I disagree with this decision, we live in a republic and must abide by the law. As we look ahead, it must be a priority of the next president to nominate judges and justices committed to applying the Constitution as written and originally understood."
One as-yet-undeclared Republican candidate does have a slightly different view:
- Clown: "Of course I support this ruling. My whole OUTFIT is rainbow."