The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional, clearing the way for marriage equality in California. Progress Texas released the following statement on this historic ruling:

We are encouraged that the Supreme Court sides with the majority of Americans in declaring the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional. Americans should be free to marry the person they love. However, here in Texas, the ruling is bittersweet as the statewide ban on gay marriage remains in effect even with today's decision.

Events over the past month have proven that we have a significant leadership gap within the highest levels of Texas government. While we are pleased with today’s decision, it is clear that we still have a lot of work to do in Texas. Progress Texas remains committed to working with our allies in continuing the fight for marriage equality.

Our friends at Equality Texas - who you should visit if you want to get active on this issue - released the following in response to the ruling:

Lesbian and gay couples want to get married for the same reasons as anyone else: to stand in front of friends and family to make a lifetime commitment to the person they love; to share the joys and the sorrows that life brings; and to be a family and to be able to protect that family.  Without the freedom to marry, lesbian and gay couples do not receive the same recognition or protections for their families as other couples...

A recent Equality Texas Foundation poll found that public opinion on marriage in Texas has shifted dramatically. By a margin of 47.9% to 47.5%, Texas voters now support the freedom to marry, representing a 5.2% increase in support since September 2010, and a 24% increase since the 2005 constitutional amendment election. Now more than ever, the hearts and minds of Texans are increasingly ready to support the freedom to marry.