Gay marriage legalized in all 50 states
The world as we know it is
changing. From advocacy groups petitioning for the removal of the confederate
flag to gay marriage being legalized in all 50 states, change has surely come
to this great nation. The landmark decision came today from the United States
Supreme Court. President Obama, who campaigned for change during his
presidential elections has been a strong advocate for gay rights and marriage
equality. For the Obama administration and the LGBT community, this news is a
major victory.
Many Americans
knew that gay marriage would one day be inevitable but the road to marriage
equality has not been easy. From failed court cases including Hollingswoth v.
Perry in California which led to an appeal that eventually legalized same-sex
marriage in California to even harder battles for marriage equality in southern
states like Virginia and Louisiana. This
historic date has been a long time coming for those who have rallied for
same-sex marriage.
When Obama
made statements that he supported same-sex marriage last year, many LGBT
leaders like Andrew Sullivan were elated. The decision from the Supreme Court
is one of legitimacy, equality and fairness.
James Obergefell, a longtime gay
rights supporter held up a photo of his late spouse, John outside of the
Supreme Court when news of the decision was announced. Obergefell, like others,
fought the courts for marriage equality and was the lead plaintiff in the
Supreme Court fight. President Obama gave Obergefell a heartfelt congratulatory
call while he was still speaking with reporters outside the Supreme Court earlier.
The court’s 5-4 ruling outlaws the
bans on gay marriage that 14 states have in place. The U.S. joins Ireland who also voted to allow
same-sex marriage throughout their nation this year. Google and the White House’s
Facebook page have been changed to rainbow flags to honor the decision. The hashtag
#SCOTUSMarriage is trending on social media.
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