SACRAMENTO, CA — Assemblyman Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) made the following statement regarding the California Supreme Court's decision allowing same sex couples to marry in California:

“Today’s ruling is a supreme affirmation of the sanctity of the love that two people share with one another without regard to their gender, and a victory for all Californians who believe that people should have the opportunity to pursue their dreams on equal footing.

I applaud the Supreme Court today for erasing hundreds of years of unconstitutional discrimination against loving and committed same sex couples. I also congratulate the brave couples who brought the case to court, as well as Mayor Newsom, City Attorney Herrera and the amazing legal team that successfully argued this historic case.

I will continue to review the legal implications of today’s ruling and, if it is determined to be necessary, draft any implementing legislation that may be needed or appropriate.

With the conviction of its highest court and its legislature, California continues to lead the way in favor of the conservative principle that society is best served when loving couples who want to settle down with one another are all able to do so through the civil institution of marriage.”