Tornberg expresses support for marriage equality ruling

U.S. District Judge Karen Schreier’s ruling overturned South Dakota’s ban on same-sex marriage. Six couples filed a lawsuit challenging the ban, created through a 1996 state law and a 2006 constitutional amendment — passed by the state’s voters — defining marriage as one man and one woman. After Monday’s ruling, South Dakota Democratic Party Chair Ann Tornberg of Beresford expressed support for Schreier’s decision. “Because the South Dakota Attorney General’s motion to dismiss was rejected by the U.S. District Court, we are now able to move forward and proceed with a ruling on the case itself,” Tornberg said. “Discrimination has no place in South Dakota law. As we celebrate this success today, the South Dakota Democratic Party reaffirms its commitment to extend equal rights and protections for all South Dakotans.” [Randy Dockendorf, USD Prof: Judge’s Same-Sex Marriage Decision ‘Powerful’]

Tornberg's comment adheres to the SDDP platform:

The South Dakota Democratic Party is a party of inclusiveness. We recognize that South Dakota is a global and multicultural community. Each individual brings a special gift to the community. We prosper when we are all in it together. We believe in the principles of dignity, self-determination, equal opportunity, justice, and quality of life. In order to promote a more open, civil society, we support the following: Recognizing the gay rights are human rights. We believe in full equality for our LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning) citizens on the state, national and local levels. Full equality includes: non-discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations, marriage equality, adoption rights and domestic partner benefits.

Additional reading linked here.