Editor's Note: Following the U.S. Supreme Court's 5-4 ruling Friday that states cannot ban same-sex marriage, NSPR's Sarah Bohannon and Kacey Gardner headed out of the office to get some community reactions to the news. The following responses were recorded at the U.S. Post Office on Vallombrosa Avenue in Chico.
"I think that's great. I think it's kind of about time, that it’s done that, so it’s kind of happy to hear that one." -J.D. Tenuta
“Marriage to me is the biblical marriage between a man and a woman, and I believe our country was founded on religious principles, and I’m saddened that we’re veering very far away from the biblical principles. So it makes me sad that this has happened, that this ruling has happened.” –Ruthie Holland
“I don’t mind, yeah, why not. Why shouldn’t they be allowed to do what they please? I don’t think they’re hurting anybody. It’s certainly no skin off anybody’s back. I think actually they’re the only ones that want to be married because — most heterosexuals avoid marriage.” –Eva Mitchell
“You spend 25 years with somebody and they pass away or they’re killed in an auto accident, you should have that right. Absolutely. Besides, that’s just good citizenry.” –Bear Barber
“Good for them. I’m happy for them. Personally I oppose the decision just because I feel very strongly about the sanctity of marriage being between a man and a woman. I definitely understand their beliefs of what they feel is their rights, but I kind of feel like it then opens up the door for a lot of other lawsuits and major issues that come down the road. For instance, what if, all of a sudden our churches are then required to marry homosexuals because it’s discriminating against them if we don’t. And that really worries me that then we would lose freedom of religion or freedom of other beliefs simply because we’re allowing certain rights to those that haven’t had those rights for thousands of years. No disrespect to them whatsoever. But that’s why I’m a little concerned about the new ruling.” –Dustin Carr
“I’m just surprised that the Supreme Court made that decision. I mean it’s great. I’m just surprised that this Supreme Court made that decision … I’m happily surprised.” –Richard Gordon