Los Altos Reacts to Supreme Court Decision on Same-Sex Marriage

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 on Wednesday that the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional, a declaration that pleased local elected officials and and residents in Los Altos. 

Assemblyman Rich Gordon said this in a release:

"In 2008, I had the privilege of marrying my partner of 26 years. This was one of the greatest days of my life, as we were finally able to stand together and say, in front of our friends, family and loved ones, ‘We are a family.’ This is an experience that many loving couples have been unjustly denied until now.  We are not just a gay couple; we are two individuals who are deeply in love."

State Representative Anna Eshoo released this statement:

“Generations of Americans have fought for the preeminent promise of our country—that every person is afforded the same fundamental rights as stated in our Constitution, with the promise of liberty and justice for all.

“Today, the decisions of the Supreme Court make real the words and the promise of our Constitution by striking down unfair barriers for same-sex couples and returning marriage equality to California. Now, the fullness of our Constitution reaches into the lives of millions of Americans, making our nation a more perfect union.”

Congregation Beth Am posted this on their Facebook Page:

"We applaud today's supreme court decisions striking down DOMA and Prop 8, and we are proud to be a community that values inclusion and diversity. Please join us as we celebrate Shabbat on Friday at 6:15pm, where Rabbi Adam Rosenwasser will speak on this topic."

Local businesses are also celebrating in their own way.

Hobee's Restaurants posted an image of a rainbow coffee cake the restaurant made for a Rainbow Chamber of Commerce event last year on their Facebook Page today.

"My partner Peter (a co-owner and the son of the founder) and I have been together for 23 years," says Hobees President and Los Altos resident Edward Fike. "Notwithstanding our relationship, Hobee's has always been a company that promotes inclusivity, equality and respect for our employees and customers. It's exciting to watch history unfold!"