GOP contenders comment on Supreme Court decision

Some comments on Friday's historic Supreme Court ruling that gives same-sex couples the right to marry in all 50 states:

"Guided by my faith, I believe in traditional marriage. I believe the Supreme Court should have allowed the states to make this decision. I also believe that we should love our neighbor and respect others, including those making lifetime commitments. " — Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who is seeking the Republican presidential nomination.

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"I believe that marriage, as the key to strong family life, is the most important institution in our society and should be between one man and one woman. People who disagree with the traditional definition of marriage have the right to change their state laws. That is the right of our people, not the right of the unelected judges or justices of the Supreme Court." — Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., Republican presidential contender.

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"While I strongly disagree with the Supreme Court's decision, their ruling is now the law of the land. I call on Congress to make sure deeply held religious views are respected and protected. The government must never force Christians to violate their religious beliefs." — Dr. Ben Carson, Republican presidential candidate.

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"As a result of this decision, the only alternative left for the American people is to support an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to reaffirm the ability of the states to continue to define marriage."— Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who is considering a run for the Republican presidential nomination.

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"If accepted by Congress and this president, this decision will be a serious blow to religious liberty, which is the heart of the First Amendment." — Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who is seeking the Republican presidential nomination.

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"This has always been about our religious freedoms and the persecution of those who believe same sex unions are wrong. Now the persecutions will begin." — Phil Burress, leader of the Citizens for Community Values of Cincinnati, Ohio, which opposes gay marriage.

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The Gayly – June 26, 2015 @ 4pm.