WASHINGTON (MEDIA GENERAL) – By a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has reversed the sixth circuit’s decision and ends bans against same-sex marriage. Same-sex marriage now is legal in all 50 states.
Prior to the ruling, same-sex marriage still was illegal in 13 states.
Actions of state and local official will determine how quickly gay couples can marry, though many have prepared for this ruling, setting up protocols to handle a surge of new marriage applicants.
“What can happen and should happen is that states should start issuing marriage licenses almost immediately,” James Esseks, director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s LGBT and AIDS Project, told Vox Media. “Once the Supreme Court rules, it’s the law of the land.”
Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote the opinion on the ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which was joined by Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Stephen Breyer. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Clarence Thomas, Antonin Scalia and Samuel Alito each wrote dissents.
Kennedy said in his opinion: “The Constitution promises liberty to all within its reach, a liberty that includes certain specific rights that allow persons, within a lawful real, to define and express their identity. … The ancient origins of marriage confirm its centrality, but it has not stood in isolation from developments in law and society. The history of marriage is one of both continuity and change. That institution – even as confined to opposite-sex relations – has evolved over time.”
President Obama tweeted shortly after the ruling: “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”Ohio clergy willing to preside over same-sex marriage ceremonies
A spokesperson with Governor Kasich’s office released the following statement:
“The governor has always believed in the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, but our nation’s highest court has spoken and we must respect its decision.”
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine issued the following statement following the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell v. Hodges:
“The Attorney General’s Office has an obligation and duty to defend the constitutionality of Ohio laws, including constitutional amendments passed by Ohio voters. Ohio’s involvement in this case has been to defend the voter-passed amendment. While Ohio argued that the Supreme Court should let this issue ultimately be decided by the voters, the Court has now made its decision.”
Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman released the following statement in regards to the Supreme Court’s decision:
“I am pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the ban on same-sex marriage because it represents true equality for all, regardless of who they love. This decision reflects the inclusiveness and support for marriage equality for same-sex couples in Columbus, the state of Ohio and throughout the nation.”PDF: Statement from Why Marriage Matters on Supreme Court’s decision.SLIDESHOWS:GALLERY OF CELEBRATIONS AFTER RULING: http://interactives.nbc4i.com/photomojo/gallery/35701/1
GALLERY OF ARGUMENTS: http://interactives.nbc4i.com/photomojo/gallery/19175/1
GALLERY OF PLAINTIFFS: http://interactives.nbc4i.com/photomojo/gallery/19151/1/
Franklin County couple Mindy Ross and Jimmie Beall sign their application for a marriage license.
Media gathered for the Supreme Court’s decision.
Security gathers in front of the Supreme Court following the same-sex ruling.