In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court has ruled that marriage bans are unconstitutional, and that states must issue licenses AND recognize marriages from out of state.
Well, what?, that’s that then. We win!
The court has based their decision on Equal Protection and Due Process — in other words, marriage equality is a fundamental right, and protected by the Fourteenth Amendment. It’s going to be very very very very hard for anti-equality forces to reverse any part of this. Like, well, never.
Here’s Kennedy writing:
How about we take this to the next level?
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“No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. … [The challengers] ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right.”
Also key:
“It is now clear that the challenged laws burden the liberty of same-sex couples, and it must be further acknowledged that they abridge central precepts of equality … Especially against a long history of disapproval of their relationships, this denial to same-sex couples of the right to marry works a grave and continuing harm. The imposition of this disability on gays and lesbians serves to disrespect and subordinate them. And the Equal Protection Clause, like the Due Process Clause, prohibits this unjustified infringement of the fundamental right to marry.”
Here’s a key quote from the Roberts dissent:
If you are among the many Americans–of whatever sexual orientation–who favor expanding same-sex marriage, by all means celebrate today’s decision. Celebrate the achievement of a desired goal. Celebrate the opportunity for a new expression of commitment to a partner. Celebrate the availability of new benefits. But do not Celebrate the Constitution. It had nothing to do with it.
Cagnazzo82
Chief Justice Roberts claims ‘marriage equality’ had nothing to do with the Constitution.
Well neither did giving money first-amendment rights… essentially stating the more money you have the more ‘speech’ you’re entitled to (especially with regards to elections). Roberts was ok with that dubious interpretation of the constitution.
Yet he complains a ruling that benefits people and takes nothing away from anyone. Think about it. Literally no one is losing out in this decision… aside from people who’ve erroneously declared themselves the moral superiors of others and who’ve erroneously decided to dictate how others should live their lives.
Those people they deserve to always lose… because their mentality hasn’t progressed past the age of 5.
Great day for America! ^_^
Kieran
Thank you Justice Kennedy. You will go down in history as one of the great heroes of the Gay Right Movement. We will never forget your moral courage and leadership in smashing down the walls of homophobia in the United States.
Kangol
Kennedy’s ruling opinion was majestic in its language. It’s telling to compare it to the bland response of Justice Roberts, the hateful dissent of Justice Scalia, and the self-hating response of Justice Thomas.
Thankfully Kennedy was on the right side of this issue, and his words and vote, along with the votes of Justices Breyer, Ginsberg, Kagan, and Sotomayor, will ring forth for years to come!
NateOcean
The Supreme Court selecting George W Bush as President in 2000 had nothing to do with the constitution either, but that didn’t stop them, did it?
DarkZephyr
I still love you Matt. <3 <3 <3
Love quotes
Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none. – William Shakespeare