Today's decision by the United States Supreme Court that the Federal Defense of Marriage Act is an unconstitutional deprivation of liberty provided to all citizens is both correct and long overdue. Same-sex couples will now be able to receive federal protections including Social Security, veterans' benefits, health insurance and retirement savings. The Court has reaffirmed for the entire world that we are a nation of one, and that separating individuals into classes is both fundamentally wrong and counter to our core values.

I am proud that the New York State Assembly has long taken a leadership role in fighting for marriage equality. A little more than two years ago, with strong leadership from Governor Cuomo, New York enacted the Marriage Equality Act, ensuring that same-sex couples have the same rights and the same access to benefits afforded to every other citizen. In light of this historic decision, the Assembly will immediately undertake a review of all New York policies and laws to ensure they are consistent with this ruling.

Additional Statements:

Assemblymember Deborah Glick:

I am elated that the Supreme Court ruling in United States vs. Windsor found in favor of Edie Windsor, and overturned key parts of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) increasing federal benefits to married same-sex couples. Edie Windsor is an incredibly courageous woman who not only shared her life with her partner, and later wife, for over 40 years, but has spent the last 4 years in court, fighting for the rights of the entire LGBT community by refusing to accept the federal government's archaic laws that defined marriage to be exclusively between a man and woman. I also applaud, Roberta Kaplan and the ACLU who argued the case.

The Defense of Marriage Act, passed in 1996, creating a second class of American citizens, by preventing same-sex couples from having the same federal rights and protection as heterosexual couples. DOMA denies same-sex couples federal tax benefits, estate tax benefits and immigration status that are otherwise granted to heterosexual married couples. Today's ruling erodes a significant portion of this antiquated law.

Edie Windsor and Thea Spyer, were legally married in Toronto in 2007 after over 40 years together. Their marriage was recognized by the State of New York, but not the federal government. Ms. Spyer died less than 2 years after they were married, and left all of her possessions to Ms. Windsor. Due to the Defense of Marriage Act, the couple's marriage was not recognized by the federal government and Ms. Windsor was left with owing the federal government close to $400,000 in estate taxes. Had they been a heterosexual couple, Ms. Windsor would have qualified for a spousal deduction, and would have paid no taxes.

Today's ruling by the Supreme Court is not only a great victory for Edie Windsor and the LGBT community, but for the Country as a whole. By striking down the Defense of Marriage Act, we eliminate another level of injustice and get one step closer to having a society based on true equality. I am proud to have Ms. Windsor and Ms. Kaplan as constituents, and even more proud to call them friends.

Assemblymember Daniel O'Donnell:

Two years ago this week, after being passed five times by the New York State Assembly, Marriage Equality became law in New York State. I will forever be grateful to Speaker Silver and my courageous colleagues in the Legislature for their extraordinary efforts. Now, thanks to today's Supreme Court's decisions on Marriage Equality, I am finally a full American. I am overjoyed that my marriage, and LGBT marriages in thirteen states, have finally won federal recognition, and that Californians will once again have the right to marry whomever they love.

I want to personally congratulate Edie Windsor on winning her historic case against DOMA, and thank her for her courageous fight for federal recognition of her own marriage and those of all LGBT Americans. Equally worthy of congratulations and thanks is Edie's lawyer, Roberta Kaplan. She represented me in seeking Marriage Equality in New York State, and I want to thank her for her tireless dedication to equality. It is people like Edie Windsor and Roberta Kaplan who will help us achieve Marriage Equality across the United States, and I look forward to fighting alongside them until that day comes.

Assemblymember Harry Bronson:

Like many in my LGBT community and our straight allies, it is difficult to put into words the emotional tide engulfing me at this historical moment. For years many of us have fought to have our love, our commitments and our relationships treated with the respect and dignity opposite sex couples enjoy. It is a proud day for our nation as the Court has now recognized the legitimate union of two loving adults without discrimination by rejecting DOMA. With this ruling we will no longer be treated as second class citizens by the federal government. This ruling will also encourage states which have not already done so to move forward with affording full rights to same-sex couples. I applaud the community advocates, Edith Windsor and her legal team and the Justices who understand the Constitution and its application to our families.

Because of a legal technical challenge the Court in the Prop 8 did not render a final decision on our rights at the state level. Unfortunately the holding implies to all Americans that the different treatment of one group of citizens regarding marriage might be allowed under state laws; this leaves open the door that states may pass laws that provide a benefit for certain married couples in the form of health care coverage, family leave, tax treatment, and many other protections and responsibilities and to deny these same benefits to another group of married people. This is both morally and legally wrong.

It is more urgent than ever that we take our fight for equality to the court of public opinion state by state - which is trending on our side and on the side of full equality. Our work is still not done and I am, like many in our community, committed to fight for full equality for all our families. This battle is not lost; the struggle is not done; the fight continues; it is not done and will go on.

Assemblymember Matthew Titone:

It is a great day not just for gay Americans but for anyone who truly believes in the founding principles of our country and the Constitution. Today the Supreme Court confirmed that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness apply to all Americans. Equality, justice, and civil rights for all have prevailed over intolerance and ignorance.