Responses to the ruling

"As a college student who's not married but does want to be married and have a family sometime, I'm grateful the court isn't redefining marriage."

— Cassie Crawford, 20

"The essential reality of marriage as a creative union for the protection and education of children is a long-held understanding not only by the [Catholic] Church but by virtually all civilized societies throughout history. In addition, the court has shown wisdom and insight in recognizing the separation of powers that grants authority to the Legislature for enacting legislation designed to promote the well-being of children and all persons."

— Alexander Brunett

"Twenty years from now, we will look back on today's decision and see that it was wrong morally, wrong ethically, wrong for our community."

— Robert Jacobs

"This isn't just a sad day for gay people but for all people in Washington state."

— the Rev. Monica Corsaro

"Today's decision was a decisive and absolute victory for marriage as it has always been."

— Pastor Joseph Fuiten

— Jennifer Pizer

"We are pleased that this latest attempt by the homosexual agenda to radically redefine our culture has been stopped dead in its tracks. ... Today's decision upholding traditional marriage is a devastating setback to same-sex- marriage proponents. Today is a great day for marriage and the family."

— Mathew D. Staver

"My real emotion is bewilderment. Knowing my relationship with my partner — which is my miracle — can cause so much prejudice, I can't figure it out."

— Jo Palm, 70

"This is the right thing for our children, families and our communities. It is good public policy for the state to encourage marriage between a man and a woman."

— Sen. Val Stevens

"This ruling denies that we're capable of love and that we're capable of commitment."

— Brenda Bauer

"The Washington State Supreme Court had a chance to tear down another wall of inequity and prejudice that has long stained our society. Unfortunately, five of the justices chose not to grant gay and lesbian people access to a basic right that the rest of us enjoy — the ability to marry and share our lives in the eyes of the state with someone we love."

— Greg Nickels