Joy and outrage in a nation divided

Reaction was swift and largely predictable to the Supreme Court’s historic decision legalizing gay marriage — with conservatives and religious leaders irate and liberals celebrating their victory.

“Today is a tragic day for marriage and our nation,” Timothy Cardinal Dolan said in a statement. “The Supreme Court has dealt a profound injustice to the American people by striking down in part the federal Defense of Marriage Act. The court got it wrong.

“The federal government ought to respect the truth that marriage is the union of one man and one woman, even where states fail to do so,” added Dolan, president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who is considering a run for the Republican presidential nomination, agreed.

“I believe marriage is between a man and a woman,” he said. “If there are going to be changes, they should be done by a vote of the people.”

Other GOP candidates, including former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and exFlorida Gov. Jeb Bush, also said the decision shouldn’t have been made by nine justices.

“I believe the Supreme Court should have allowed the states to make this decision. I also believe that we should love our neighbor and respect others, including those making lifetime commitments,” Bush said.

Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Rodham Clinton took to Twitter to hail the decision.

“Proud to celebrate a historic victory for marriage equality — & the courage & determination of LGBT Americans who made it possible,” she tweeted.

And Gov. Cuomo, who calls New York’s gaymarriage law in 2011 one of his proudest accomplishments, applauded the justices for following the state’s lead.

“New York has been a leader in the fight for marriage equality, and today’s Supreme Court decision affirms what we have fought so hard for — that marriage is a fundamental right that should be afforded to everyone, regardless of whom they love,” Cuomo said.

“I am thrilled to see the court join us on the right side of history.”

First Lady Michelle Obama also took to Twitter to praise the court.

“This decision recognizes the fundamental truth that our love is all equal,” she wrote. “Today is a great day for America. #LoveWins.”