Senator Collins’ Statement In Response To Obergefell V. Hodges Ruling

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – After today’s Supreme Court ruling in the Obergefell v. Hodges case, U.S. Senator Susan Collins released the following statement:      

     “Today’s historic Supreme Court decision recognized that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry. This marks an important day for many of our friends, family members, and neighbors.  As Justice Kennedy wrote, 'The right to marry is a fundamental right inherent in the liberty of the person…and couples of the same-sex may not be deprived of that right and that liberty.' I agree.      

     "This opinion appropriately distinguishes between civil marriage ceremonies and religious ceremonies and recognizes that the First Amendment protects the beliefs of churches.

     “I would also like to commend Mary Bonauto, the Maine attorney who was chosen to represent 35 petitioners from four states in this historic Supreme Court decision. Mary did a tremendous job presenting the case to our nation’s highest court.”        

     Earlier this year Senator Collins signed on to an amicus brief filed with the Supreme Court along with more than 300 other Republican leaders supporting recognition of the marriages of same-sex couples.