The Asian American community had a mostly positive response to the Supreme Court’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage Friday, with most community organizations applauding it, but self described conservatives expressing disappointment and even outrage.
“Today marks a key moment in history, building on growing momentum from advocates striving for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) equality,” said National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum Executive Director Miriam Yeung in the Filipino Reporter. “We are grateful for this progress and celebrate that our highest court has decided that people should be able to marry whom they love.”
Actor George Takei, one of the most high profile LGBT activists in the community, said this was about human rights.
“This is a happy day, not just for LGBT Americans, but for all Americans,” CBS quoted Takei as saying in a statement. “It is the beginning of an era where we no longer will speak about same-sex marriage, but of marriage. And one day, we need not speak of LGBT rights, for they simply will be human rights. Across this great land, families are celebrating because we truly are one family. This is a thrilling moment in time. As with the story of Allegiance, we are truly ‘One Family…Indivisible.’ This historic day and decision by the highest court in our land makes us all truly united and one.”
The Hindu American Foundation joined Takei in cheering the decision, reported India West.
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“HAF’s work on this issue is consistent with our view that Hinduism provides no spiritual basis to discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Swaminathan Venkataraman, a member of HAF’s executive council
Republican presidential candidate Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, an outspoken opponent of same-sex marriage, said in a lengthy statement that the decision “will pave the way for an all out assault against the religious freedom rights of Christians who disagree with this decision.
“The Supreme Court decision today conveniently and not surprisingly follows public opinion polls, and tramples on states’ rights that were once protected by the 10th Amendment of the Constitution. Marriage between a man and a woman was established by God, and no earthly court can alter that,” Jindal said according to NBC.
