Same-sex marriages are now legal across the entirety of the United States after a historic supreme court ruling that declared attempts by conservative states to ban them unconstitutional. With 5-4 ruling in Obergefell v Hodges, the justices determine the right to marriage equality falls under equal protection clause of 14th amendment. Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote that the plaintiffs asked “for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right.”
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The court ruled 5-4 that the Constitution’s guarantees of due process and equal protection under the law mean that states cannot ban same-sex marriages. With the ruling, gay marriage will become legal in all 50 states. We are happy that now US citizens have been allowed to married irrespective of whether they are gay or lesbian or straight, we hope that Indian parliament passes the law that at least legalizes the existence of homosexuals.
President Obama On Same Sex Marriage Ruling FULL SPEECH
“No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice and family,” Kennedy wrote. “In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than they once were”.
“It’s my hope that gay marriage will soon be a thing of the past, and from this day forward it will simply be ‘marriage,’” an emotional Mr Obergefell said outside the court.
Obama Says ‘a victory for America’
The nation was “founded on a bedrock principle, we are all created equal,” he says. The decision reflects “the realities of changing times” and “the never ending quest to ensure those words ring true for every single American”, he added.
“The progress on this journey often comes in small increments, sometimes two steps forward, one step back, propelled by the persistent effort of dedicated citizens. And sometimes there are days like this, when that slow steady effort is rewarded with justice that arrives like a lightning bolt. This ruling will strengthen all of our communities.”
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
Minister who married first couple says she was expecting #SCOTUSMarriage ruling because June 26 has been a historic day in LBGTQ community
— Amanda LaBrot (@AmandaLaBrot) June 26, 2015
“I pronounce you married in the state of Mississippi” pic.twitter.com/ZDUKem0kiq
— Amanda LaBrot (@AmandaLaBrot) June 26, 2015
Congratulations, particularly to those who made the case for equality. So pleased to be celebrating @nycpride over the weekend. #LoveWins
— Ian McKellen (@IanMcKellen) June 26, 2015
For all our differences we are one people, stronger together than we could ever be alone.