Politics & Government
Your Take: South Windsor Reacts to U.S. Supreme Court's Decision to Strike 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.
The court has not yet ruled on California's Proposition 8, which bans gay marriage in that state. However, until the Supreme Court rules on Prop 8 gay marriages can continue in California, the Huffington Post reports.
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.
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.
The court has not yet ruled on California's Proposition 8, which bans gay marriage in that state. However, until the Supreme Court rules on Prop 8 gay marriages can continue in California, the Huffington Post reports.
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.
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 ..."
On the South Windsor Patch Facebook page, people greeted the news with open arms.
Katie Kelly Vees agreed.
"Live and let live," she wrote. "Good riddance DOMA."
The Rev. Kent Siladi, the Connecticut Conference Minister for the United Church of Christ, was in transit to the denomination's General Synod on Long Beach, CA, but said via e-mail that it was "an incredible moment."
He added, "I'm actually pinching myself right now."
What's your take on this issue and this decision? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Find out what's happening in South Windsorfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
