Locals React: DOMA Overturned by U.S. Supreme Court

A narrow 5-4 decision by the Supreme Court of the United States has made it unconstitutional to allow a federal ban on same-sex marriage.

The Huffington Post reports: "The federal statute is invalid, for no legitimate purpose overcomes the purpose and effect to disparage and to injure those whom the State, by its marriage laws, sought to protect in personhood and dignity," Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote in the majority opinion. "By seeking to displace this protection and treating those persons as living in marriages less respected than others, the federal statute is in violation of the Fifth Amendment."

The bi-partisan passing of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in 1996 was defended by dissenting Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Antonin Scalia, Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas.

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D—NY) reacted to the news today in a statement: "Today is a historic day for our country on its long march towards upholding the fundamental values this country was founded upon of fairness, equality and justice. I am overjoyed the Supreme Court has ruled to end the discrimination that had been enshrined into U.S. law."

On Rivertowns Patch's Facebook page, several locals enthusiastically said they agreed with the Supreme Court's decision.

Tara James commented, "Absolutely, today's decisions were great, yesterday, no so much."

In Tarrytown, Christ Episcopal Church has been openly supportive of gay rights and its pastor was thrilled to hear the news today.

"I have to change the sermon I'm working on now," said Rev. Susan Copley.

U.S. Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester), said in a statement, "While today’s decision is an important and historic victory, the fight for true equality will continue until all men and women have equal protection and are free to marry whomever they love, regardless of what state they call home."