DOMA Ruled Unconstitutional; Bradenton Reacts on Gay Marriage

The Defense of Marriage Act has been ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court. DOMA is the law barring the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages legalized by the states. 

There was a 5-4 vote in the decision.

“DOMA divests married same-sex couples of the duties and responsibilities that are an essential part of married life,” Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote for the majority, according to the Miami Herald.

Although same-sex marriages are not recognized under Florida law, several cities — including St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, Sarasota — as well as Pinellas County have passed domestic partnership registries that allow couples, gay or straight, certain rights in health care and other decisions.

The reaction on Twitter included in this article is a live feed of what people around Tampa Bay are posting on the subject.

"Marriage is a tradition that has taken place LONG before Christianity was formed," posted Annique Newton on the Bradenton Patch Facebook page. "We Christians don't have any authority over it. What Christians perform is a CEREMONY, not a marriage. Marriage is a contract of love between two people. I'm so happy I'm seeing an end to this bigotry in my lifetime."

"Marriage is according to the bible between a 'man and a woman,' " commented Carol Ballard Painter.

We'd love to know what you think of the ruling here in Bradenton. You can post a comment on this story, or you can write your own article about it, by starting your own page.

To read more live coverage of the decision, head over to the Huffington Post.