Reaction on Lifting of Montana's Gay Marriage Ban

A ruling by U.S. District Judge Brian Morris overturning Montana's ban on same-sex marriage made the state the 34th in the country to permit gay marriage.

Here is some reaction on Wednesday's decision:

- Montana Gov. Steve Bullock:
"Today's decision ensures we are closer to fulfilling our promise of freedom, dignity, and equality for all Montanans. It is a day to celebrate our progress, while recognizing the qualities that bind us as Montanans: a desire to make a good life for ourselves and our families, while providing greater opportunities to the next generation.

"I have instructed my administration to quickly take all appropriate steps to ensure that we are recognizing and affording the same rights and responsibilities to legally married same-sex couples that all married Montanans have long enjoyed."

- U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont.:
"I applaud today's ruling," Tester said in a statement. "It aligns our laws with our values and is a big step forward for our state. Denying same-sex couples the right to marry denies them happiness and equal protection under the law."

- U.S. Sen. John Walsh, D-Mont.:
"Throughout my 36 years of service in the military, as Lt. Governor, and now as U.S. Senator, I've been proud to fight for our freedoms. Today's overdue court ruling reflects our Montana values of individual freedom, fairness and equality. I believe every Montanan - our sons, daughters, friends and family - should live free of discrimination."

- ACLU of Montana legal director Jim Taylor:
"This case is about equality and basic fairness," Taylor said. "The courts have recognized that there is no legitimate basis on which to deny the right to marry to committed same-sex couples. All Montanans have an equal right to the legal protections and respect that marriage brings. This ruling takes that constitutional principle of equal protection and makes it a reality in Montana."