The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples nationwide have a right to marry. In a 5 to 4 ruling on Friday, June 26, same-sex couples now have the same constitutional rights as heterosexual couples when it comes to tying the knot.
In January, the Supreme Court announced it would once again look at the issue of gay marriage, reviewing cases from Ohio, Tennessee, Michigan and Kentucky. The issues were argued in April of this year and the Court decided that the Constitution does not prohibit same-sex couples from marrying.
President Obama wrote on Twitter, “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”
The Supreme Court wrote, “The dynamic of our constitutional system is that individuals need not await legislative action before asserting a fundamental right.” The Court went on to add, “…It must be emphasized that religions, and those who adhere to religious doctrines, may continue to advocate with utmost, sincere conviction that, by divine precepts, same-sex marriage should not be condoned.”
Justice Roberts was one of four dissenting conservative justices and has received heat for his decision. Roberts wrote, “Understand well what this dissent is about: It is not about whether, in my judgment, the institution of marriage should be changed to include same-sex couples. It is instead about whether, in our democratic republic, that decision should rest with the people acting through their elected representatives, or with five lawyers who happen to hold commissions authorizing them to resolve legal disputes according to the law. The Constitution leaves no doubt about that answer.”
To read the full Supreme Court's decision on the ruling, check out: http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/14pdf/14-556_3204.pdf
