MSNBC "The Ed Show" - Transcript: Wisconsin Same Sex Marriage

Interview

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SCHULTZ: Welcome back to the Ed Show.

Breaking News tonight from the State of Wisconsin, a federal judge has a ruled a ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. The ban against same-sex marriage has started in 2006 in Wisconsin.

It`s unclear whether the marriages can begin immediately. The ruling makes Wisconsin the 27th state where same-sex couples can marry under law or where a judge has ruled, they should be allowed to marry.

The Wisconsin Democratic State Convention is going on at this hour in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin and Congressman Mark Pocan joins us tonight via on the phone.

Congressman, good to have you with us tonight. What does this ruling mean? The laws suit was brought by the American Civil Liberties Union I understand on behalf of eight same-sex couples. What does this mean for Wisconsin, Congressman?

REP.MARK POCAN, (D) WISCONSIN: Well, you know, this is -- it`s great news for everyone who lives in Wisconsin who`s had to live with hate at United States constitution. And this is what`s happening across the country. State by state is realizing that we have to treat everyone the same respect and dignity when it comes to marriage equality and having Wisconsin now and join those ranks.

It`s really important for everyone in this state and it`s important as we continue to march forward across the country in regards to having everyone treated equality with dignity and respect.

SCHULTZ: Congressman, Governor Scott Walker has been a strong proponent of the constitutional same-sex marriage ban. What do you think this means for his reelection campaign? Is this a populous move by the court?

POCAN: Well, you know, there`s no question. The last poll I saw in Wisconsin showed 55 percent supported marriage equality by far outnumbering the people who didn`t support equality. Even the governor in some previous statement has been kind of hedging this conversation around this.

I think, he probably will be doing some kind of flash poll to see how this affects his run for presidency as he`s also trying to run for governor at the same time. But I think, you know, he`s going to be watching this very closely. If it`s not just about the state of Wisconsin for him, unfortunately, he`s running for president, he has to decide how this plays in Republican presidential primaries as well.

But back home, those of us who have Wisconsin as their priority, we`re just ecstatic to have this kind of results and we know that this is something that will continue happening across the country.

SCHULTZ: You`re at the state convention right now, what`s the feeling in the crowd hence this ruling?

POCAN: You know, literally I walked in probably about 20 minutes ago and I just keeping doing high fives and hugs and everyone is just so happy. Our state chair got one of his first political jobs in running the campaign against the constitutional amendment back in 2006.

So, this has been a state in a party that`s long supported full marriage equality and the fact that we now are actually seeing it and realized while we`re here this weekend just makes it extra special.

SCHULTZ: And again, a federal judge has ruled a ban on same-sex marriage in the State of Wisconsin as unconstitutional. Congressman Mark Pocan, joining us tonight via the phone, I appreciate your time. Thank you.

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