Today is a history-making one for human rights: This morning, the Supreme Court ruled that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional after a 5-4 vote. DOMA, which was signed by President Bill Clinton in 1996, was responsible for the federal government not recognizing same-sex marriages performed in the United States. In addition, DOMA was the reason why married gay couples living in the states were denied rights to the government tax and healthcare benefits available to heterosexual married couples. In his majority opinion, Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote:
"DOMA instructs all federal officials, and indeed all persons with whom same-sex couples interact, including their own children, that their marriage is less worthy than the marriages of others. 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."
We couldn't agree more.
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