Philly mayoral candidates react to Supreme Court decision on gay marriage

Mayoral candidates Jim Kenney and Melissa Murray Bailey both said Friday that they are pleased with the Supreme Court’s declaration that same-sex couples have a right to marry anywhere in the United States.

Both also said despite the 5-4 decision, work remains to be done locally on the equality front.

In a statement sent out minutes after the announcement, Kenney, the Democratic candidate, said:

Today’s ruling is a tremendous victory, but it is also a call to action.

Philadelphians must rally together and demand a statewide non-discrimination law that protects on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.

As one of the most LGBT friendly cities in the nation, it is our responsibility to continue fighting until complete equality is a reality in every corner of this state and this country.

For her part, Murray Bailey, the Republican candidate, told NinetyNine:

To all my friends in the LGBTQ community, I am overjoyed for you today in finally achieving the goal of marriage equality. It has been a tough fight and it is about time that you have the same human rights as all Americans.

On this magnanimous occasion, we have taken another step in uniting the city, not because of a disaster or hate crime, but for acceptance. Most importantly, however, we must continue this feeling beyond just today’s events and into the future.

There is still work to be done. A city that is proud of all its members — one that celebrates and embraces each person’s individuality — is a city worth being a part of. This just goes to show that we can work together.

Now, we need to continue this work and help our LGBTQ youth on the street find acceptance and a home in Philadelphia.