In a landmark decision, the US Supreme Court on Friday made same-sex marriage legal across the United States. Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, writing for the majority in the historic decision, said gay and lesbian couples had a fundamental right to marry.
“No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were. As some of the petitioners in these cases demonstrate, marriage embodies a love that may endure even past death. It would misunderstand these men and women to say they disrespect the idea of marriage. Their plea is that they do respect it, respect it so deeply that they seek to find its fulfilment for themselves. Their hope is not to be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from one of civilization’s oldest institutions. They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right. The judgment of the Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit is reversed. It is so ordered.”
“This court is not a legislature. Whether same-sex marriage is a good idea should be of no concern to us. If you are among the many Americans — of whatever sexual orientation — who favor expanding same-sex marriage, by all means, celebrate today’s decision. But do not celebrate the Constitution. It had nothing to do with it,” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in dissent.
“Today’s ruling affirms what millions across this country already know to be true in their hearts: our love is equal. The four words etched onto the front of the Supreme Court — ‘equal justice under law’ — apply to us, too,” said lead plaintiff Jim Obergefell, who challenged Ohio’s ban on same-sex marriage.
Currently, gay and lesbian couples can only marry in 36 states and the District of Columbia. The court’s ruling means the remaining 14 states will have to stop enforcing their bans on same-sex marriage — prohibitions that the high court said violate the Constitution’s equal protection clause.
Today’s decision is a victory for America. See reactions from around the country → http://t.co/iL3S3zlFCx #LoveWins pic.twitter.com/Fc8kBaVfvu
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 26, 2015
“This ruling is a victory for America.” —@POTUS on today’s Supreme Court decision on marriage equality #LoveWins http://t.co/rG8PID2QIU
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 26, 2015
This decision recognizes the fundamental truth that our love is all equal. Today is a great day for America. #LoveWins -mo
— The First Lady (@FLOTUS) June 26, 2015
All people – no matter who they love – should be treated with dignity and respect. #LoveWins pic.twitter.com/ynEcOmlwcd
— Vice President Biden (@VP) June 26, 2015
Today marks a victory for equality, perseverance and love.
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) June 26, 2015
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