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| Grumpy Cat |
Yep, you heard me. Earlier today, in a 5-4 vote, the Supreme Court ruled that the federal same-sex marriage ban was unconstitutional. In the words of Justice Anthony Kennedy, "The federal statute is invalid, for no legitimate purpose overcomes the purpose and effect to disparage and to injure those whom the State, by its marriage laws, sought to protect in personhood and dignity. By seeking to displace this protection and treating those persons as living in marriages less respected than others, the federal statute is in violation of the Fifth Amendment."
Former President Bill Clinton originally signed off on DOMA in 1996. DOMA prevented same-sex couples whose marriages were recognized by their home states from receiving any of the hundreds of benefits available to other married couples under federal law.
In a statement given earlier today, President Obama applauded the Supreme Court's decision, noting that DOMA "...was discrimination enshrined in law. It treated loving, committed gay and lesbian couples as a separate and lesser class of people. The Supreme Court has righted that wrong, and our country is better off for it."
Indeed. Let's not forget other struggles for marriage equality, such as the long quest to legalize interracial marriage. This is a step in the right direction for America, despite the negativity being spewed by certain individuals.
Onward!
