Reaction was much more muted at the GOP-led state Capitol. Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, a Republican, acknowledged the decision but was in no mood to celebrate it.

FILE - In this April 28, 2015, file photo, demonstrators stand in front of a rainbow flag of the Supreme Court in Washington, as the court was set to hear historic arguments in cases that could make same-sex marriage the law of the land. Gay and lesbian couples could face legal chaos if the Supreme Court rules against same-sex marriage in the next few weeks. Same-sex weddings could come to a halt in many states, depending on a confusing mix of lower-court decisions and the sometimes-contradictory views of state and local officials. Among the 36 states in which same-sex couples can now marry are 20 in which federal judges invoked the Constitution to strike down marriage bans. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

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“My faith teaches me that marriage is between a man and a woman,” Cagle said. “I also understand the role of the Supreme Court under our Constitution.  As we navigate this challenging issue, we must do so in a way that respects the deeply held religious beliefs of many like myself while also upholding the rule of law.”

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