With the U.S. Supreme Court overturning the Defense of Marriage Act on June 26 (giving American citizens who are legally married and gay equal federal rights), King County Councilmember Joe McDermott issued a statement in response. McDermott lives in West Seattle and represents West Seattle and White Center to the council.

Here is his statement:

“I am filled with simply overwhelming pride today as the US Supreme Court overturns DOMA!

'King County has been a leader in equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, so it was with sheer joy that my fiancé Michael and I celebrated with hundreds of couples as King County issued the first marriage licenses to same sex couples in the state last December.

“Now the federal government will treat those couples equally as well! This equality extends from military couples to seniors on Social Security, reaching so many hardworking families and providing them the security they deserve.

“This will indeed be a happy Pride Weekend!”