The majority opinion, which was written by Justice Anthony Kennedy was one which has already brought tears to the eyes of many. In the 5-4 majority opinion he wrote: “Their hope is not to be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from one of civilization’s oldest institutions. They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right.”
He continued by writing, “No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than they once were.”
As this ruling was a long time coming, the public reaction, as expected, was quite grand. People from all over the world used social media to express their happiness and satisfaction with the ruling.
Not everyone, however, was happy about the ruling. In his dissent, Justice Scalia wrote that the decision was a “threat to American democracy” and that it had “nothing to do with the Constitution.” Additionally, the three other justices who did not agree with the ruling also wrote their own dissents.
Regardless of whether or not you support this decision, the United States is now officially the 21st country to legalize same-sex marriage throughout the nation. This means that same-sex couples now have the same rights as heterosexual couples in all the states and in all US territories.
Our team of Pittsburgh Family Lawyers here at Taybron Law Firm, LLC is thrilled with the court’s decision and we are happy that couples all over the country now have the right to marry.