Community Corner
Your Take: U.S. Supreme Court Strikes Down DOMA
The court has ruled that the federal ban on same sex marriage is unconstitutional. That means it must now recognize Connecticut's gay marriages.
By Eileen McNamara
In a major victory for gay rights activists the U.S. Supreme Court today, June 26, has struck down the federal Defense of Marriage Act.
As gay rights advocates rallied outside, the court this morning ruled 5-4 against the federal law in what experts are saying is a broad ruling that could doom state laws banning gay marriages.
In the second ruling, it allowed to stand a lower court ruling that struck down California's Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage.
The much-anticipated ruling means the federal government must recognize gay marriages in the 12 states in the U.S. that have legalized gay marriages, including in Connecticut.
Here in Connecticut, many rejoiced.
State Rep. Matthew Lesser, D, 100th, posted this immediately on his Facebook page: "Supreme Court has struck down DOMA, allowing all Connecticut residents to enjoy equal rights. Long time coming."
A check with the Middletown's assistant registrar of vital statistics Camille Salamone shows there were six same-sex marriages in the city in 2012; none yet this year.
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy today heralded the court's decision as a major advance in equal rights for gays.
In a major victory for gay rights activists the U.S. Supreme Court today, June 26, has struck down the federal Defense of Marriage Act.
As gay rights advocates rallied outside, the court this morning ruled 5-4 against the federal law in what experts are saying is a broad ruling that could doom state laws banning gay marriages.
In the second ruling, it allowed to stand a lower court ruling that struck down California's Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage.
The much-anticipated ruling means the federal government must recognize gay marriages in the 12 states in the U.S. that have legalized gay marriages, including in Connecticut.
Here in Connecticut, many rejoiced.
State Rep. Matthew Lesser, D, 100th, posted this immediately on his Facebook page: "Supreme Court has struck down DOMA, allowing all Connecticut residents to enjoy equal rights. Long time coming."
A check with the Middletown's assistant registrar of vital statistics Camille Salamone shows there were six same-sex marriages in the city in 2012; none yet this year.
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy today heralded the court's decision as a major advance in equal rights for gays.
“Although the State of Connecticut has recognized marriage equality for same-sex couples since 2008 ... DOMA prevented these legally married couples from being recognized by the U.S. government, thus being denied a host of rights that are afforded to all other married couples," Malloy said.
“Having two different sets of laws for people based solely on their gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity is wrong ..."
What's your take on this issue and this decision? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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