Same-Sex Marriage Is Now Legal In All 50 states
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Same-Sex Marriage Is Now Legal In All 50 states

History is being made and it's not even lunch time.

9
Same-Sex Marriage Is Now Legal In All 50 states

Mark your calendars, ladies and gentlemen of the United States because June 26, 2015 is going to be a date to remember. This marks the day that the Supreme Court of the United States voted to allow same-sex marriage.

How neat is that?

Whether you agree with the decision or not, history is being made and I think it's incredibly cool (for lack of better word) that we all get to be witnesses to an event that will most likely be in future history books.

For those of you who like me woke up this morning to an alert or a tweet or some type of notification about this major change, and didn't have a clue about the major details, I am here to save you.

The decision was a 5-4 ruling. The Justices who ruled for it are as follows: Sotomayor, Ginsburg, Kagan, Breyer, and Kennedy (who wrote the explanation for the majority's decision).

"In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were. As some of the petitioners in these cases demonstrate, marriage embodies a love that may endure even past death. It would misunderstand these men and women to say they disrespect the idea of marriage. Their plea is that they do respect it, respect it so deeply that they seek to find its fulfillment for themselves."

The Justices who ruled against it are as follows: Roberts, Alito, Scalia, and Thomas. Each of them wrote their own dissent against the ruling. Roberts wrote that the decision of same-sex marriage should have been left to the states, not the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court should not interfere with the states' rights.

However, the debate will continue, Kennedy also wrote. Kennedy wrote that under the First Amendment, religious groups and people are protected if they want to teach principles that are important to their lives and faith. So if they want to continue debating and opposing same-sex marriage, they are definitely allowed to do so. The Constitution does not allow the State to bar same-sex marriages on the same terms of those opposed to it. (Basically, the church and the state shouldn't be combined).

President Obama was thrilled by the decision, stating that when all Americans were treated equally, "we are all more free."

The U.S. is now the 21st country to legalize same-sex marriage. Same-sex couples will now legally be recognized on legal documents such as birth and death certificates.

All in all, history has been made today and whether you agree with it or not that's your opinion. Everyone's opinion is valid, no one is right or wrong. We are all entitled to believe what we believe and think what we think. It's why our nation's founders created this beautiful country. So that everyone could believe in something and not be persecuted for it. I'm going to go sing the national anthem, because I believe that's the appropriate thing to do right now.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

53874
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

34684
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957094
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181758
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments