OLYMPIA…Senate Republican Leader Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla, and House Republican Leader Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis, issued joint statements on this morning’s ruling by the state Supreme Court to uphold the state’s Defense of Marriage Act.

“Today’s court ruling is a win for our democratic process and the majority of Washington citizens who believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Our Legislature passed a law several years ago that clearly defines marriage this way. It would have been a travesty if the court had ignored the will of the people and those elected to serve them in Olympia.”

“We are pleased that the Supreme Court has reaffirmed the position of Republicans that it is the people's right to determine the laws that define marriage in our state. Although some courts have sought to legislate by judicial decree, this decision supports the principle that lawmaking authority ultimately rests with the citizens and their elected representatives. It is consistent with recent court rulings in six other states that have upheld laws defining traditional marriage and supported the people’s right to decide this issue. The Defense of Marriage Act is in keeping with the wishes of the people and the long-held tradition of marriage between a man and a woman. We hope today's Supreme Court ruling puts this issue to rest, given the court has recognized the authority of the Legislature to define this law and the Legislature voted overwhelmingly, by a two-thirds majority, in favor of the Defense of Marriage Act.”