Quotes

“When sexuality finds overt expression in intimate conduct with another person, the conduct can be but one element in a personal bond that is more enduring. The liberty protected by the Constitution allows homosexual persons the right to make this choice.”

? From Justice Kennedy’s majority opinion in the Supreme Court’s Lawrence v. Texas decision. Justices, Souter, Ginsburg, Stevens, and Breyer joined the opinion.

“Persons in a homosexual relationship may seek autonomy for these purposes, just as heterosexual persons do.”

? From the Lawrence majority opinion in reference to a diverse list of constitutionally-protected rights. The list includes decisions relating to marriage, procreation, and family relations, among others.

“It is clear from this that the Court has taken sides in the culture war, departing from its role of assuring, as a neutral observer, that the democratic rules of engagement are observed.”

? From Justice Scalia’s dissent on the U.S. Supreme Court’s Lawrence v. Texas decision. Justices Renquist and Thomas joined the dissent.

“The sour puritanism of Justice Scalia’s latest tirade has gotten most of the ink, but it is the flagrant politicization of his response that is most worthy of censure. A states’ rights guy, he should know that if he wants to give a stump speech for ultra conservative values, he should run for the Senate.”

? Radical columnist Anna Quindlen, in Newsweek, responding to Justice Scalia’s dissent in the Lawrence v. Texas decision.