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Buffalo's LGBTQ community celebrates same sex marriage ruling

WBFO News file photo

A flurry of reaction continues to flow following Friday's 5-4 Supreme Court decision that legalizes gay marriage in all 50 states across the United States. 

"I was watching the SCOTUS blog as it popped up and the first decision on marriage and my neighbors could of heard us -- my wife and I were just squealing," said Kitty Lambert Rudd of Buffalo.

Credit Photo provided by Kitty and Cheryle Lambert-Rudd
Kitty Lambert's marriage four years ago.

You may recall Lambert of Buffalo and her partner were were the first to marry four years ago when New York State legalized same sex marriage.

"This has been an awesome journey, with some wonderful, wonderful people by our side. People that believed in our right to protect ourselves and our families," said Lambert. 

Lambert said she expected the decision, but at the same time, the 5-4 ruling indicates there are still many who believe it is a 'choice.'

"We are so excited in our community," stated Matthew Crehan Higgins, Senior Director of The Pride Center of Western New York.  But he tells WBFO News even with this major victory they're still fighting gender discrimination.

"It comes at the same time that we are disappointed again to see the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act has not made it through the state senate," stated Crehan Higgins. "We need to keep working toward the full inclusion o f our transgender population."

The Stone Wall Democrats of Western New York will be holding a celebration rally in Buffalo's Allentown district Friday night. Bryan Ball leads the organization.

"This is an incredible day for so many LGBT families and couples," said Ball. 

Credit WBFO News photos by Eileen Buckley
Kitty Lambert Rudd & Bryan Ball.

Outcome Buffalo leader Tim Moran noted this was an "obvious decision" and it finally recognizes marriage equality as a fundamental right. "It is now clear that the challenged laws burden the liberty of same-sex
             
But expressing displeasure with the ruling is Buffalo's Catholic Bishop Richard Malone. In a written statement, says he is "bitterly disappointed that the majority of justices."

"I am bitterly disappointed that the majority of justices of the U.S. Supreme Court has decided to overturn the definition of marriage, which has remained unchanged for more than two millennia.  Marriage is the lifelong exclusive union of one man and one woman, a font of unitive life and love as well as the foundation of a stable family and society.  Marriage is rooted in creation: God created marriage in the very same breath as He created the human person, and for the Catholic Church, that will not change. It is my prayer that despite today’s developments, we will embrace anew the truth, beauty and goodness of marriage as it has always been and always will be, between a man and a woman," stated Bishop Malone.
 
WBFO News asked for a recorded interview with the bishop, but he is about to travel and was not available.
 
In Jamestown, Greg Rabb, who serves as the President of the Jamestown City Council also issued a statement in celebration of the decision.    
 
"As the only openly gay elected official in the eight counties of WNY and having worked on this issue for more years than I can remember I am thrilled by today’s Supreme Court decision regarding marriage equality.  I am proud of the leadership shown by the City of Jamestown and the State of New York on bringing us closer to equal rights for all," said Rabb.