When it comes to federal programs, even if states are discriminating, the federal government should not.

Marriage is a language of love, equality, and inclusion.

Marriage ... has historically been a battlefield, the site of collisions within and between governments and religions over who should regulate it. But marriage has weathered centuries of skirmishes and change. It has evolved from an institution that was imposed on some people and denied to others, to the loving union of companionship, commitment, and caring between equal partners that we think of today.

What is so powerful here is that we have the first federal appellate court and it's a case coming out of Utah affirming in the strongest, clearest, boldest terms that the Constitution guarantees the freedom to marry and equal protection for all Americans and all means all, including gay couples.

I think there's tremendous significance and opportunity in Americans seeing legally married gay couples treated with respect in our nation's capital.

There is no marriage without engagement

Marriage is not defined by who is denied it. When gay people share in the freedom to marry, it doesn't change your marriage.