Today is a day that I proudly say "I am an American." June 26, 2015, a historic date in United States' history. A day that kids will read about in their history books.
After a long fight, victory for the LGBT movement occurred when the Supreme Court ruled by a 5-4 vote that the 14th amendment to the US constitution provides marriage equality to all and that same sex marriages are legal in all 52 states, thereby changing life as we know it. The ruling will allow anyone to marry whomever they want no matter their sexual preference and will make the marriage binding and legitimate in any state of the US.
5-4 MAJORITY DISSENT
After generations of contested efforts by supporters, the LGBT community was given the ultimate gift : the gift to love whomever they choose.
America has taken a giant leap towards equality for all man and womankind. Love whomever you want and marry whomever you want.
Supporters of the movement are overjoyed with the fact that for the first time in our history the leader of the free world spoke up saying “you are equal.”
Jim Obergefell, the man at the heart of this historic decision, stated “I felt more like an equal American than I had in a very long time." It was his lawsuit (Obergefell v. Hodge) that launched the Supreme Court towards this decision. Following the vote, Obergefell received a congratulatory phone call from President Obama.
Celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres, Harry Styles, George Takei and Judy Blume took to Twitter to show their support. Politicians, including New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, also showed their support by posting on social media. In a show of opposition, the Center for Arizona Policy, a conservative organization that helped pass a bill allowing a business owner to deny services to gays and lesbians, issued a warning stating: “The U.S. Supreme Court can never change the fundamental truth that the lifelong union of one man and one woman is at the foundation of a strong state and nation.”
From celebrities, to politicians, to everyday people – celebrations took place in every state. However, not everyone celebrated this historic day in American history. Louisiana and Mississippi are still refusing to issue licenses for same sex couples despite the ruling. There are many people who still do not recognize marriage between same sex couples. Whether they be religious zealots, politicians, bigots or those with closed hearts and minds, their beliefs cannot change what the Supreme Court has ruled.
Less then 24 hours after the Supreme Court ruling, the first gay couple in Texas was officially married. Together for over 50 years, Jack Evans, 85, and George Harris, 82, were finally legally wed in Dallas. Many other couples around the country obtained marriage licenses and proudly stood together to recite their vows before family, friends and officials. Finally able to say they, too, were legally wed with all the rights of a married couple.
I am proud to be living in these times when we are witness to life changing, and society changing, events. If everyone, everywhere could just learn to get along and let love conquer all, we would all be better off. Love wins!
