U.S. Representative Billy Long issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its Obergefell v. Hodges ruling against state same-sex marriage prohibition.

     “I am disappointed the Supreme Court has ruled to uphold same-sex marriage.  This decision is troubling as it will overturn voter-imposed state bans on the practice, such as in Missouri.  I believe this decision directly removes and marginalizes the will of the people.  It undermines the very democratic principle America is founded upon and deprives states of their Tenth Amendment rights.  I join many southwest Missourians in expressing frustration with the Court’s judgment, as it violates the traditional meaning of marriage.”