As Area LGBT Couples Celebrate Victory, Battle Moves to State Level

While the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down a portion of the federal Defense of Marriage is a major victory for gay rights activists, it will have minimized immediate impact on Missouri.

That’s because it only applies to states that already allow gay marriage, which Missouri banned in 2004 through a constitutional amendment.

It drew a mixed, though mostly positive response from the area’s political leaders. Eureka resident and Missouri House Speaker Tim Jones decried the decision as “disappointing” but said the battle now moves to the state level.

“Rest assured, the Missouri General Assembly will continue to stand up and defend our state’s dedication to traditional family values,” he said in a statement to Patch.

Meanwhile, a jubilant crowd gathered at the LGBT Center of St. Louis for a rally organized by PROMO, the statewide organization advocating for lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender equality.

As one attendee at the rally told Patch, "there was a time we hid in the shadows — we don't have to do that anymore."

You can read more and see a video of the celebration here. 

See our previous coverage: 

• Missouri Legislators, Organizations Split Positions on Supreme Court Decision
• #DOMA is Dead. Love is Alive." and More Reaction Following Supreme Court's Ruling Wednesday
• DOMA Decision Heralded In St . Louis