The Supreme Court has ruled in favor 5-4 of gay marriage in a landmark decision released Friday morning.
The justices faced two decisions in this case. The first was whether states could ban same-sex marriage, and the second was whether states were obligated to recognize legal same-sex marriages from other states. Under today’s decision a couple who is legally married in, for example, Massachusetts, will now have their marriage recognized in a state like Texas.
The Supreme court faced a similar decision in 2013 when cases for DOMA and California’s Proposition 8 (a ballot initiative from 2008 that banned same-sex marriage in the state) were brought to the court. The court ruled against DOMA, effectively allowing same-sex married couples federal benefits, and declined to rule on California’s proposition, therefore allowing same-sex marriages in the state. Today’s decision falls on the two year anniversary of the Supreme’s court gay marriage rulings in 2013.
“This decision will end the patchwork system that we have by offering all same-sex couples dignity,” President Obama said in a televised statement. “Today we can say, in no uncertain terms, that we’ve made our union a little more perfect.”
Politicians reactions to Supreme court decision
#LoveWins. pic.twitter.com/s5aiwIsFz8
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 26, 2015
Today is a big step in our march toward equality. Gay and lesbian couples now have the right to marry, just like anyone else. #LoveWins
— President Obama (@POTUS) June 26, 2015
Proud to celebrate a historic victory for marriage equality—& the courage & determination of LGBT Americans who made it possible. -H
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 26, 2015
Woo-hoo! Love wins!!! #lovewins
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) June 26, 2015
Let Freedom Ring: freedom to love, freedom to marry! Here is to our great nation further affirming life, liberty & the pursuit of happiness.
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) June 26, 2015
Great news that Supreme Court ruled in favor of marriage equality. LGBT couples deserve equality under the law. #SCOTUS #EqualityForAll
— Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) June 26, 2015
Today the Supreme Court fulfilled the words engraved upon its building: ‘Equal justice under law.’ #SCOTUSMarriage
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) June 26, 2015
Races don’t fall in love, genders don’t fall in love–people fall in love. #SCOTUSMarriage
— John Lewis (@repjohnlewis) June 26, 2015
It just got better. Again.
— Senator Chris Coons (@ChrisCoons) June 26, 2015
Congratulations to all who fought to get us here. We as a nation take a huge step toward #LGBT equality today. #LoveWon
— Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) June 26, 2015
