On June 26, the U.S. Supreme Court voted 5-4 to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide.

Maddy Bennett was at her father’s house when she heard the news — finding out on Facebook as many of her friends were posting about it. And while she wanted to go out and join the celebrations, she had to stay home and take care of her sick dog.

“I was really happy,” the 17-year-old incoming Redmond High School senior said.

Bennett is not gay, but she does have gay family members and friends. She said with this decision, it shows them that their love for their significant others is just as real as anyone else’s love.

THE SAME AS EVERYONE ELSE

In addition to being happy that same-sex marriage is legal everywhere, Bennett also imagined telling her future grandchildren about that moment. She said she imagines they would think it was silly that same-sex marriage was ever illegal at all.

Bennett said it makes her happy to know that kids nowadays will understand that families come in all different forms.

Michelle Abelev, a 16-year-old Redmond resident who attends International Community School, said with same-sex marriage now legal in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., kids can grow up in an environment in which they can be more open with their sexuality.

“Love is love,” she said

Abelev said there should not be a divide between gay couples and straight couples, adding that now that same-sex marriage is legal in all states, gay couples can “do anything that anybody else can” and receive the same benefits as straight couples such as receiving health care through their spouse’s insurance.

In addition, Abelev said now that all states must recognize same-sex marriages, it could lead to more religions recognizing these unions than previously.

CELEBRATING LOVE

In Redmond, some religion leaders are also in support of the new law.

“We are blessed to be part of an incredibly loving community,” said Pastor Todd Puckett of the Redwood Family Church.

He continued, saying that the court’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide does not change anything for his church. Puckett said their top priority is to love people in Jesus’s name and allow the Holy Spirit of God to do His transforming work in everyone’s lives.

Rev. Lara Bolger, the senior pastor at Redmond United Methodist Church, said as a pastor, she celebrates the Supreme Court’s decision for marriage equality nationwide because “any time the law bends towards justice, we all win.”

“While marriage is a civic matter, it is also a religious commitment that upholds and affirms love,” she said. “Justice for all is best exemplified when both civic and religious communities can celebrate and affirm that love. For far too long, we have negated the love of our LGBTQ brothers and sisters. Consequently, people continue to feel alienated from church pews and, even worse, feel alienated from the love and grace of God.”

DIFFERENCE OF OPINIONS

Bolger said she is committed to working toward creating a church community in which all are truly welcome to worship, love, serve and grow. And while she celebrates this legal victory for the LGBTQ community as a sign that society is shifting, she said she is hoping church law can follow suit.

“I also know that many other people of faith differ in their opinion on this matter,” Bolger acknowledged. “I hope this decision provides an opportunity for deeper listening and compassion.”

Rev. Larry Grounds, senior pastor at Redmond Presbyterian Church (RPC), also acknowledged that the Supreme Court’s decision has been met with differences of opinions.

“Some of our members, were no doubt, happy. While others may have been disappointed,” he said. “Last Sunday we simply rejoiced in prayer that people could receive respect and justice equally in our nation. The good news is that this issue no longer divides our congregation.”

Grounds said the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), which RPC is part of, allows its pastors and churches to officiate in same-sex marriages wherever it is legal in the states they reside — now all states and D.C. Each local church has the responsibility and freedom to decide how they will respond.

At RPC, Grounds said they have had their own struggles with homosexuality and five years ago, the church’s leadership came to terms with how they would deal with any issues that may arise.

“We openly welcome all people into our membership regardless of sexual orientation or different viewpoints on the subject,” he said. “We encourage people to seek Christ first and to respect that others who do the same may have differing views on ethical issues, such as this one we are considering.”

A GREAT DAY FOR AMERICANS

Local and national lawmakers from the area also weighed in on the Supreme Court’s landmark decision.

King County Council Vice Chair Jane Hague — who represents unincorporated King County near Redmond — said June 26 was a good day for all Americans.

“Clearly, as a nation, we have moved beyond this as a partisan issue. This is about celebrating the love of two people, wherever they live in this country,” she said. “Civil rights, and gay rights in particular, are an important part of what makes the United States great — what makes it a place where people want to come and live from all over the world.”

Hague’s fellow council member and Vice Chair Joe McDermott also released a statement on the court’s decision.

“I’m thrilled to join the jubilation across our country for (last Friday’s) decision,” his statement reads. “From today forward, couples across the nation will be able to marry legally and be recognized as a family in the eyes of the law, just like Washington families, including myself and my husband Michael. Today, there is more love in the world, and that is a good thing!”

And while area lawmakers praised the decision, some also acknowledged that there is more work to be done.

“This is a landmark ruling that puts the United States on the right side of history and makes a meaningful difference in the lives of millions of Americans,” said Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) in a statement. “I’m pleased the Court recognized what Washingtonians have known for years — that love is love and all couples deserve equality under our laws. While this is a major victory, more must be done to end discriminatory laws and ensure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans. Our work is far from over and we need to continue fighting until all Americans have equal rights and protections.”