The Republican National Committee is reiterating its support for traditional marriage and warning about the potential religious liberty implications of Friday’s Supreme Court ruling legalizing gay marriage in all 50 states.
“As a Party, we believe in the importance of traditional marriage between a man and a woman and remain committed to finding common ground to champion the family’s role in society,” RNC Chairman Reince Priebus said in a statement Friday. “Marriage is critically important to strengthening our country and our communities.”
Priebus warned that that the decision should not be used to violate religious liberty.
“Today’s ruling cannot and must not be used to coerce a church or religious institution into performing marriages that their faith does not recognize. We should respect the sincerely held religious views of our fellow citizens, just as we respect those on the winning side of this case,” he said.
The RNC’s statement followed the 5-4 Supreme Court decision ruling deeming gay marriage a Constitutional right. Priebus further argued that the ruling was flawed and usurped power from the people and states.
“The Supreme Court failed to recognize the states’ constitutional role in setting marriage policy, instead finding a federal role where there is none. In doing so, they have taken power away from the states and from the people to settle the relevant issues for themselves,” he said.