Cooper Hails DOMA Ruling

Written by Pam Robinson.

Former Suffolk Legis. Jon Cooper hailed the Supreme Court ruling striking down DOMA as a "breathtaking decision. It's an amazing, awesome day."

Cooper, president of Spectronics Corp. in Westbury, said: "I've never been prouder of the Supreme Court as I am today. It's going to change everything. My kids will know their parents that their relationship is going to be recognized. If they had upheld DOMA, it could have set us back for a generation."

One immediate change for Cooper and his husband, Rob, involves their federal taxes. He said their accountant had filed an extension on their federal taxes, hoping for a favorable Supreme Court ruling because gay couples couldn't file joint returns. 

But, "It goes beyond that; my kids are excited, my husband's crying. It's just a recognition so far by the Supreme Court that all Americans are equal, all couples are equal. You've got to be treated the same," Cooper added.

"The 5-4 vote reflected a conservative position by saying that the instittuion cannot be demneied to committed couples just because they're gay. There's a real and immediate impact for millions, Rob and I included."

Cooper, a Democrat, was Long Island campaign chairman for Barack Obama in 2008 and co-chair for the tri-state region for Obama Victory Trustees in 2012.

On Facebook, gay residents expressed joy.

"DOMA is DEAD. One step closer to equality... although the political skeptic in me wonders how long it is before some -- tries to amend the Constitution again," one gay man wrote.

"DOMA struck down!!! Equality feels so good!!!!!!" wrote David Kilmnick, chief executive officer at Long Island GLBT Services Network.