Reactions from local political leaders to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling overturning laws banning same-sex marriage were varied and fell along party lines.
Rep. Jessica Haak, D-Jamestown, said the ruling would be considered important in the future.
"I think today was a historic day for equal rights for individuals who will now be treated like everyone else no matter who they love," Haak said.
Rep. Craig Headland, R-Montpelier, saw the ruling as a mistake.
"I'm deeply disappointed," he said. "When you have a court of nine people overruling the will of the people they are over using their authority."
ADVERTISEMENT
The 5-4 Supreme Court ruling overturned the laws of 13 states, including North Dakota, that banned same-sex marriage. It also left some local officials wondering how to proceed.
"We're not sure how the state will handle this," said Casey Bradley, Stutsman County auditor/chief operating officer. "We're waiting for clarification from the state in how to proceed."
The county recorder's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records in Stutsman County.
Sen. Terry Wanzek, R-Jamestown, said the issue involved state and human rights.
"I was a little bit shocked," he said. "It would seem that we as states could write our own laws except for those set by the Constitution."
Wanzek also said the ruling does not completely resolve the issue of same-sex marriage and could lead to chaos in the immediate future.
"Will they force churches to perform same-sex marriages?" he said. "Will they force the county to perform these marriages."
Sen. John Grabinger, D-Jamestown, a sponsor of a LGBT rights bill in the last legislative session, saw the ruling as a victory.
ADVERTISEMENT
"I'm overwhelmed and happy for those that want to be with the one they love," he said. "There is still some discrimination, but I hope this helps put an end to that."
Wanzek also said the ruling went against the wishes of the majority.
"We feel strongly in the sanctity of marriage," he said. "They told us we don't have rights to our beliefs.
Grabinger recognized the decision may not be popular with everyone.
"Those with their own strong religious beliefs will struggle with this," he said. "But I've been happily married to my wife for about 30 years and this doesn't affect that at all."
