Reaction to DOMA Ruling in South Tampa

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.

Reaction poured in to the South Tampa Patch Facebook Page.

"We the people need to be treated equally," wrote Marti Castrenze.

Kara Lee pointed out that "More weddings (equal) more parties."

"Seriously? It was the right thing to do," Rich Guagliardo posted.

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.

Hillsborough County does not have such a registry. 

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

We'd love to know what you think of the ruling here in Bloomingdale and Riverview. 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.