Local reaction to same-sex marriage ruling

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- There were cheers, smiles and hugs on the lawn of the National Constitution Center, where hundreds gathered to celebrate the Supreme Court's ruling that made same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states.

"It's just a big celebration of winning our rights finally. After years of not having equal civil rights, we now have same rights as everyone under the law," said Janice Real, Delaware Valley Americans United.

The rainbow flags were waving proudly as this is a historically significant location for this victory rally.

The modern gay rights movement began here on Independence Mall 50 years ago.

Mayor Michael Nutter said Philadelphia, the birthplace of freedom and ideals of freedom, is the right the place to celebrate the ruling

"None of us can be free until we're all free, none of us have rights until all of us have rights. Let us end discrimination of all kinds in the United States of America," said Mayor Nutter.

In New Hope, Bucks County, a town that embraces the LGBT community, residents are throwing a town wide party.

"We decorated, we bought lots of beer then going invite the whole town and go marching through the streets," said Terry Meehan.

Sharyn Keiser and Sandy Santello have been a couple for 30 years but they only married two years ago. They raised two children and now have four grandchildren.

"Our granddaughter called and said, 'Grammy! Mom-mom! I'm so excited," said Keiser.

"I'm thrilled for our families. Our families have been through the ups and downs, they've always supported us," said Sandy Santello.

But not all of the responses were positive to the decision.

Philadelphia Archbishop Carlas Chaput issued the following statement:

"The Supreme Court's 5-4 decision on marriage is not a surprise. The surprise will come as ordinary people begin to experience, firsthand and painfully, the impact of today's action on everything they thought they knew about marriage, family life, our laws and our social institutions. The mistakes of the court change nothing about the nature of men and women, and the truth of God's Word. The task now for believers is to form our own families even more deeply in the love of God, and to rebuild a healthy marriage culture, one marriage at a time, from the debris of today's decision."

So while some are celebrating, advocates say the fight is not over.

Two Pennsylvania legislators, a Montgomery County commissioner and Democratic candidate for mayor Jim Kenney, have all issued statements calling for new anti-discrimination laws.