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| Supreme court: gay marriage legal across the US – live updates | Supreme court: gay marriage legal across the US – live updates |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 11.27am ET16:27 | |
| My colleague Sabrina Siddiqui is outside the courthouse, where the celebration continues. | |
| Gay men's chorus of Washington DC singing national anthem outside Supreme Court steps pic.twitter.com/vud3h7eSUN | |
| 11.23am ET16:23 | |
| Obama says the decision was not only a result of the supreme court, but “a consequence of the countless small acts of courage of millions of people across decades who stood up and came out, and talked to parents, parents who loved their children no matter what, folks who … [endured] taunts and stayed strong and came to believe in themselves and who they were. | |
| “And [they] slowly made an entire country realize that love is love. What an extraordinary achievement, what a vindication of the belief that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. What a reminder of what Bobby Kennedy once said about how small actions can be like pebbles being thrown into a still lake, and ripples of hope cascade outwards and change the world. | |
| “Those countless, often anonymous heroes, they deserve our thanks. They should be very proud. America should be very proud.” | |
| 11.20am ET16:20 | |
| Obama: 'a victory for America' | |
| Barack Obama is speaking from the White House, declaring the decision “a victory for America”. | |
| The nation was “founded on a bedrock principle, we are all created equal,” he says. The decision reflects “the realities of changing times” and “the never ending quest to ensure those words ring true for every single American”, he says. | |
| “The progress on this journey often comes in small increments, sometimes two steps forward, one step back, propelled by the persistent effort of dedicated citizens. And sometimes there are days like this, when that slow steady effort is rewarded with justice that arrives like a lightning bolt.” | |
| The justices have “reaffirmed that all Americans are entitled to the equal protection of the law. All people should be treated equal,” he says. | |
| He says proudly that the ruling “will end the patchwork system we currently have, it will end the uncertainty that hundreds of thousands of same-sex marriage face.” | |
| “This ruling will strengthen all of our communities.” | |
| “If we are truly created equal then truly the love we commit to one another must be equal as well. It is gratifying to see that principle enshriened into law by this decision. This ruling is a victory for Jim Obergefell and other plaintiffs n the case, it’s a victory for all the gay and lesbian couples who’ve fought so long for equal rights, and it’s a victory for their children whose families will now be treated equally, like any other. | |
| “And this ruling is a victory for America. This ruling affirms what millions of Americans believe in their hearts: when all Americans are treated as equal we are more free. | |
| “For all our differences we are one people, stronger together than we could ever be alone.” | |
| 11.12am ET16:12 | |
| The New Yorker’s Ryan Lizza notes that despite chief justice Robert’s strident denunciation of the court for what he describes as a overreach of its powers, he himself seems to have hinted toward more liberal personal views. | |
| While not finding a Constitutional right for SSM, Roberts goes pretty far at hinting that he personally supports SSM as a social policy. | |
| Meanwhile, mother nature gets into the the symbolism. | |
| Double rainbows over the White House. #LoveWins pic.twitter.com/EYTxVjNv58 | |
| And my colleague Ed Pilkington, in South Carolina, notes the same surreal state of civil rights in America that Jim Obergefell spoke of from the steps of the supreme court. | |
| I now live in a nation that accepts gay marriage but here I am @ funeral of victim of a white supremacist #USdivided pic.twitter.com/PM05kuh3n8 | |
| 11.06am ET16:06 | |
| A chorus has started singing the Star Spangled Banner outside the courthouse, as Bloomberg’s Tom Taylor and the Wall Street Journal’s Isaac Stanley-Becker try to snap photos of the growing crowd. | |
| View from #scotus plaza. pic.twitter.com/sMt6292ZxV | |
| Crowd is ebullient after court decision validating gay marriage pic.twitter.com/VMSG63Vj5q | |
| 11.03am ET16:03 | |
| In Texas, at least one county is already ready to move ahead and begin issuing marriage licenses, just over an hour after the court’s ruling. | |
| “It’s a huge victory for freedom as well as for love,” said Chuck Smith, executive director of Equality Texas, told Tom Dart, reporting for the Guardian. | |
| While delighted, Smith cautioned that there are many other battles to be fought for equality in Texas, where anti-LGBT discrimination in housing and the workplace is banned in big cities with non-discrimination ordinances but legal in many other places. “We will celebrate today; tomorrow we will go back to work,” Smith said. | |
| However, though many Texans are eager to apply for marriage licenses immediately, it appears that some of the state’s politicians are keen to delay the inevitable for as long as possible. Ken Paxton, the Texas Attorney General, issued a statement on Thursday asking “all county clerks and justices of the peace [to] wait for direction and clarity from this office about the meaning of the court’s opinion and the rights of Texans under the law.” | |
| The Texas constitution defines marriage as solely between one man and one woman. But even in the deeply Republican state, more people are in favour of same-sex marriage than are against it, according to a University of Texas/Texas Tribune poll this week that found 44% of respondents are for it and 41% are against. | |
| BREAKING UPDATE: SCOTUS OKs gay marriage; Travis County to begin issuing licenses at 10:30 a.m.: http://t.co/uCb03Itiym #SSM #SCOTUSmarriage | |
| 11.01am ET16:01 | |
| Looking back briefly to the opinion and dissents, it should be noted that four dissents is remarkable in and of itself, and that each of the conservative justices who disagreed with the ruling struck strong, even unusually harsh tones. | |
| Chief justice John Roberts said his colleagues were “five lawyers” who had usurped powers of the American people, and Antonin Scalia said the decision degraded the very authority and status of the court – reducing its rulings to “the mystical aphorisms of the fortune cookie”. | |
| One of the few other times four justices have issued dissents was in 2000, in Bush v Gore, a case that decided the president of the United States. | |
| WOW at the tone of this footnote in Scalia's dissent. pic.twitter.com/ob3mm9c1UD | |
| 10.53am ET15:53 | 10.53am ET15:53 |
| Obergefell: 'our love is equal' | |
| Jim Obergefell, the lead plaintiff in the case, is speaking on the steps of the supreme court. | Jim Obergefell, the lead plaintiff in the case, is speaking on the steps of the supreme court. |
| The decision “affirms what millions across this country already know to be true in our hearts,” Obergefell says. “Our love is equal.” | The decision “affirms what millions across this country already know to be true in our hearts,” Obergefell says. “Our love is equal.” |
| “All Americans deserve equal dignity respect and treatment when it comes,” he says, when it comes to their relationships and families. He says that he’s proud that “marriage equality can come to every state across our country.” | “All Americans deserve equal dignity respect and treatment when it comes,” he says, when it comes to their relationships and families. He says that he’s proud that “marriage equality can come to every state across our country.” |
| “My hope is that the term ‘gay marriage’ will soon be a thing of the past, that from this day forward it will simply be ‘marriage’, and that our nation will be better off because of it.” | “My hope is that the term ‘gay marriage’ will soon be a thing of the past, that from this day forward it will simply be ‘marriage’, and that our nation will be better off because of it.” |
| Obergefell continues to say that he hopes the ruling will help reduce “the stigma, the hurt, and the alienation and discrimination that LGBT people all too often feel.” | Obergefell continues to say that he hopes the ruling will help reduce “the stigma, the hurt, and the alienation and discrimination that LGBT people all too often feel.” |
| Finally Obergefell links one civil rights movement to another: “at the same time that we celebrate today’s victory my heart is still in Charleston,” a reference to the South Carolina city where nine black people were killed in a racially motivated murder earlier this month. | Finally Obergefell links one civil rights movement to another: “at the same time that we celebrate today’s victory my heart is still in Charleston,” a reference to the South Carolina city where nine black people were killed in a racially motivated murder earlier this month. |
| Recent months of protests about inequality based on race, Obergefell says, “have been a reminder that discrimination is alive and well,” and that “progress for some is not progress for all, and there can be equally significant steps backwards as there are forward.” | Recent months of protests about inequality based on race, Obergefell says, “have been a reminder that discrimination is alive and well,” and that “progress for some is not progress for all, and there can be equally significant steps backwards as there are forward.” |
| “We must be equally committed that all americans should be deserved equally.” | “We must be equally committed that all americans should be deserved equally.” |
| Updated at 11.25am ET | |
| 10.47am ET15:47 | 10.47am ET15:47 |
| Conservatives are railing against the decision, declaring it “judicial activism” and with one radio host declaring today the day: he “saw Satan dancing with delight, the day the music died in the United States of America.” | Conservatives are railing against the decision, declaring it “judicial activism” and with one radio host declaring today the day: he “saw Satan dancing with delight, the day the music died in the United States of America.” |
| Former senator Rick Santorum. | Former senator Rick Santorum. |
| Today, 5 unelected judges redefined the foundational unit of society. Now it is the people's turn to speak #Marriage | Today, 5 unelected judges redefined the foundational unit of society. Now it is the people's turn to speak #Marriage |
| Former governor Mike Huckabee. | Former governor Mike Huckabee. |
| This flawed, failed decision is an out-of-control act of unconstitutional judicial tyranny --> http://t.co/WMborH3TxB #SCOTUS | This flawed, failed decision is an out-of-control act of unconstitutional judicial tyranny --> http://t.co/WMborH3TxB #SCOTUS |
| And Republican candidate Donald Trump, who completely misidentifies the conservative justice who voted with the majority. | And Republican candidate Donald Trump, who completely misidentifies the conservative justice who voted with the majority. |
| Once again the Bush appointed Supreme Court Justice John Roberts has let us down. Jeb pushed him hard! Remember! | Once again the Bush appointed Supreme Court Justice John Roberts has let us down. Jeb pushed him hard! Remember! |
| 10.41am ET15:41 | 10.41am ET15:41 |
| The White House has tweeted a gif that shows the remarkable pace of legalization for same-sex marriage in the United States: Massachusetts was the first state to legalize it in 2004; by 25 June 2015, 36 states had legalized gay marriage and Alabama was waging a protracted battle in the courts to keep its ban in place. | The White House has tweeted a gif that shows the remarkable pace of legalization for same-sex marriage in the United States: Massachusetts was the first state to legalize it in 2004; by 25 June 2015, 36 states had legalized gay marriage and Alabama was waging a protracted battle in the courts to keep its ban in place. |
| Starting 26 June 2015, all 50 states will be required to issue marriage licenses to gay couples. | Starting 26 June 2015, all 50 states will be required to issue marriage licenses to gay couples. |
| #LoveWins. pic.twitter.com/s5aiwIsFz8 | #LoveWins. pic.twitter.com/s5aiwIsFz8 |
| 10.38am ET15:38 | 10.38am ET15:38 |
| Rights groups are celebrating the decision around the US – the ACLU has posted a massive banner on its website declaring “we’ve won marriage equality nationwide!” | Rights groups are celebrating the decision around the US – the ACLU has posted a massive banner on its website declaring “we’ve won marriage equality nationwide!” |
| ACLU in NYC reacts to #SCOTUSMarriage decision. #lovewins pic.twitter.com/thnqyPLdxh | ACLU in NYC reacts to #SCOTUSMarriage decision. #lovewins pic.twitter.com/thnqyPLdxh |
| pic.twitter.com/V5HFbz6Emy | pic.twitter.com/V5HFbz6Emy |
| 10.34am ET15:34 | 10.34am ET15:34 |
| In the majority opinion, Justice Kennedy emphatically knocked down arguments about procreation and the definition or protection of marriage as an institution. | In the majority opinion, Justice Kennedy emphatically knocked down arguments about procreation and the definition or protection of marriage as an institution. |
| Under the laws of the several States, some of marriage’s protections for children and families are material. But marriage also confers more profound benefits. By giving recognition and legal struc- ture to their parents’ relationship, marriage allows children “to understand the integrity and closeness of their own family and its concord with other families in their community and in their daily lives.” | Under the laws of the several States, some of marriage’s protections for children and families are material. But marriage also confers more profound benefits. By giving recognition and legal struc- ture to their parents’ relationship, marriage allows children “to understand the integrity and closeness of their own family and its concord with other families in their community and in their daily lives.” |
| Decisions about whether to marry and raise children are based on many personal, romantic, and practical considerations; and it is unrealistic to conclude that an opposite-sex couple would choose not to marry simply because same-sex couples may do so. | Decisions about whether to marry and raise children are based on many personal, romantic, and practical considerations; and it is unrealistic to conclude that an opposite-sex couple would choose not to marry simply because same-sex couples may do so. |
| He cites a prior decision about the alleged harmful effects of same-sex marriage on families. | He cites a prior decision about the alleged harmful effects of same-sex marriage on families. |
| (“[I]t is wholly illogical to believe that state recognition of the love and commitment between same-sex couples will alter the most intimate and personal decisions of opposite-sex couples”). The respondents have not shown a foundation for the conclusion that allowing same-sex marriage will cause the harmful outcomes [they say it will]. | (“[I]t is wholly illogical to believe that state recognition of the love and commitment between same-sex couples will alter the most intimate and personal decisions of opposite-sex couples”). The respondents have not shown a foundation for the conclusion that allowing same-sex marriage will cause the harmful outcomes [they say it will]. |
| Finally, he repudiates the idea that “the right to marry is less meaningful for those who do not or cannot have children. An ability, desire, or promise to procreate is not and has not been a prerequisite for a valid marriage in any State.” | Finally, he repudiates the idea that “the right to marry is less meaningful for those who do not or cannot have children. An ability, desire, or promise to procreate is not and has not been a prerequisite for a valid marriage in any State.” |
| 10.28am ET15:28 | 10.28am ET15:28 |
| Democrats, including two nominees for president, are hailing the decision with full-throated exclamations. | Democrats, including two nominees for president, are hailing the decision with full-throated exclamations. |
| Proud. pic.twitter.com/9J44PCYeuQ | Proud. pic.twitter.com/9J44PCYeuQ |
| Reminded of Will and his moms on the day we passed marriage equality in MD. There’s no greater human right than love. pic.twitter.com/xg5X0HhP2j | Reminded of Will and his moms on the day we passed marriage equality in MD. There’s no greater human right than love. pic.twitter.com/xg5X0HhP2j |
| SCOTUS has unequivocally affirmed that equal justice means marriage equality for LGBT Americans! http://t.co/wWMh2H7Jns #LoveCantWait | SCOTUS has unequivocally affirmed that equal justice means marriage equality for LGBT Americans! http://t.co/wWMh2H7Jns #LoveCantWait |
| 10.26am ET15:26 | 10.26am ET15:26 |
| My colleague Steven Thrasher is in Buffalo, New York, with Kitty Lambert-Rudd, who with Cheryl Rudd were the first same-sex couple married in New York state in 2011. | My colleague Steven Thrasher is in Buffalo, New York, with Kitty Lambert-Rudd, who with Cheryl Rudd were the first same-sex couple married in New York state in 2011. |
| “I am over the moon!” Lambert-Rudd said. “I remember, one of the first letters I ever wrote, was to a local Assemblyman. I told him I was 11th generation American citizen, and still not having the same rights as my siblings did. This is unbelievably awesome! Just awesome! Great when New York got marriage, there was always this gray cloud over it, because you knew you had something that other people didn’t. And you knew what that was like.” | “I am over the moon!” Lambert-Rudd said. “I remember, one of the first letters I ever wrote, was to a local Assemblyman. I told him I was 11th generation American citizen, and still not having the same rights as my siblings did. This is unbelievably awesome! Just awesome! Great when New York got marriage, there was always this gray cloud over it, because you knew you had something that other people didn’t. And you knew what that was like.” |
| Tonight, the Lambert-Rudds have “planned for a big party in front in El Museo gallery,” on the street in Buffalo. “It’s a potluck, and everyone is welcome, and we’re just going to party until they send us all home!” | Tonight, the Lambert-Rudds have “planned for a big party in front in El Museo gallery,” on the street in Buffalo. “It’s a potluck, and everyone is welcome, and we’re just going to party until they send us all home!” |
| Outside the courthouse the celebrations have begun in earnest. | Outside the courthouse the celebrations have begun in earnest. |
| 10.21am ET15:21 | 10.21am ET15:21 |
| Chief Justice John Roberts is reading his dissent from the bench, which the great Lyle Denniston of SCOTUSBlog says is the first time he’s ever done such a thing. Some nonconsecutive excerpts from his dissent, which essentially argues that this was a matter for the states to sort out, and not for judges to decide: | Chief Justice John Roberts is reading his dissent from the bench, which the great Lyle Denniston of SCOTUSBlog says is the first time he’s ever done such a thing. Some nonconsecutive excerpts from his dissent, which essentially argues that this was a matter for the states to sort out, and not for judges to decide: |
| “This Court is not a legislature. Whether same-sex marriage is a good idea should be of no concern to us. Under the Constitution, judges have power to say what the law is, not what it should be.” | “This Court is not a legislature. Whether same-sex marriage is a good idea should be of no concern to us. Under the Constitution, judges have power to say what the law is, not what it should be.” |
| “Our Constitution does not enact any one theory of marriage. The people of a State are free to expand marriage to include same-sex couples, or to retain the historic definition.” | “Our Constitution does not enact any one theory of marriage. The people of a State are free to expand marriage to include same-sex couples, or to retain the historic definition.” |
| “Understand well what this dissent is about: it is not about whether, in my judgment, the institution of marriage should be changed to include same-sex couples. It is instead about whether, in our democratic republic, that decision should rest with the people acting through their elected representatives, or with five lawyers who happen to hold commissions authorizing them to resolve legal disputes according to law. The Constitution leaves no doubt about the answer.” | “Understand well what this dissent is about: it is not about whether, in my judgment, the institution of marriage should be changed to include same-sex couples. It is instead about whether, in our democratic republic, that decision should rest with the people acting through their elected representatives, or with five lawyers who happen to hold commissions authorizing them to resolve legal disputes according to law. The Constitution leaves no doubt about the answer.” |
| “Supporters of same-sex marriage have achieved considerable success persuading their fellow citizens – through the democratic process – to adopt their view. That ends today. Five lawyers have closed the debate and enacted their own vision of marriage as a matter of constitutional law. Stealing this issue from the people will for many cast a cloud over same-sex marriage, making a dramatic social change that much more difficult to accept. “ | “Supporters of same-sex marriage have achieved considerable success persuading their fellow citizens – through the democratic process – to adopt their view. That ends today. Five lawyers have closed the debate and enacted their own vision of marriage as a matter of constitutional law. Stealing this issue from the people will for many cast a cloud over same-sex marriage, making a dramatic social change that much more difficult to accept. “ |
| “If you are among the many Americans – of whatever sexual orientation – who favor expanding same-sex marriage, by all means celebrate today’s decision. Celebrate the achievement of a desired goal. Celebrate the opportunity for a new expression of commitment to a partner. Celebrate the availability of new benefits. But do not Celebrate the Constitution. It had nothing to do with it.” | “If you are among the many Americans – of whatever sexual orientation – who favor expanding same-sex marriage, by all means celebrate today’s decision. Celebrate the achievement of a desired goal. Celebrate the opportunity for a new expression of commitment to a partner. Celebrate the availability of new benefits. But do not Celebrate the Constitution. It had nothing to do with it.” |
| Updated at 10.28am ET | Updated at 10.28am ET |
| 10.15am ET15:15 | 10.15am ET15:15 |
| The last portion of Kennedy’s historic majority opinion affirming the nationwide right to gay marriage: | The last portion of Kennedy’s historic majority opinion affirming the nationwide right to gay marriage: |
| No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were. As some of the petitioners in these cases demonstrate, marriage embodies a love that may endure even past death. | No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were. As some of the petitioners in these cases demonstrate, marriage embodies a love that may endure even past death. |
| It would misunderstand these men and women to say they disrespect the idea of marriage. Their plea is that they do respect it, respect it so deeply that they seek to find its fulfillment for themselves. Their hope is not to be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from one of civilization’s oldest institutions. They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right. | It would misunderstand these men and women to say they disrespect the idea of marriage. Their plea is that they do respect it, respect it so deeply that they seek to find its fulfillment for themselves. Their hope is not to be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from one of civilization’s oldest institutions. They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right. |
| Barack Obama chimes in, years after announcing his “evolution” on the issue. | Barack Obama chimes in, years after announcing his “evolution” on the issue. |
| Today is a big step in our march toward equality. Gay and lesbian couples now have the right to marry, just like anyone else. #LoveWins | Today is a big step in our march toward equality. Gay and lesbian couples now have the right to marry, just like anyone else. #LoveWins |
| Updated at 10.27am ET | Updated at 10.27am ET |
| 10.11am ET15:11 | 10.11am ET15:11 |
| Bloomberg’s Tom Taylor is in the court (in the area where they allow cellphones). | Bloomberg’s Tom Taylor is in the court (in the area where they allow cellphones). |
| Kennedy from bench: "Until recent decades few people have even though of the concept of same-sex marriage." #SSM #SCOTUS | Kennedy from bench: "Until recent decades few people have even though of the concept of same-sex marriage." #SSM #SCOTUS |
| Kennedy from bench: "History of marriage is one of both continuity and change." #SCOTUS #SSM | Kennedy from bench: "History of marriage is one of both continuity and change." #SCOTUS #SSM |
| 10.09am ET15:09 | 10.09am ET15:09 |
| Justice Anthony Kennedy has written the historic majority opinion that the 14th amendment guarantees a right for same-sex couples to marry. | Justice Anthony Kennedy has written the historic majority opinion that the 14th amendment guarantees a right for same-sex couples to marry. |
| Each of his conservative colleagues, John Roberts, Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, has written a dissent. | Each of his conservative colleagues, John Roberts, Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, has written a dissent. |
| You can read the opinion and dissents here. Kennedy appears to have argued strongly on the premises of dignity and equality, beginning his opinion with the following paragraph: | You can read the opinion and dissents here. Kennedy appears to have argued strongly on the premises of dignity and equality, beginning his opinion with the following paragraph: |
| From their beginning to their most recent page, the annals of human history reveal the transcendent importance of marriage. The lifelong union of a man and a woman always has promised nobility and dignity to all persons, without regard to their station in life. Marriage is sacred to those who live by their religions and offers unique fulfillment to those who find meaning in the secular realm. Its dynamic allows two people to find a life that could not be found alone, for a marriage becomes greater than just the two persons. Rising from the most basic human needs, marriage is essential to our most profound hopes and aspirations. | From their beginning to their most recent page, the annals of human history reveal the transcendent importance of marriage. The lifelong union of a man and a woman always has promised nobility and dignity to all persons, without regard to their station in life. Marriage is sacred to those who live by their religions and offers unique fulfillment to those who find meaning in the secular realm. Its dynamic allows two people to find a life that could not be found alone, for a marriage becomes greater than just the two persons. Rising from the most basic human needs, marriage is essential to our most profound hopes and aspirations. |
| Later, the opinion reads: | Later, the opinion reads: |
| It is now clear that the challenged laws burden the liberty of same-sex couples, and it must be further acknowledged that they abridge central precepts of equality … Especially against a long history of disapproval of their relationships, this denial to same-sex couples of the right to marry works a grave and continuing harm. The imposition of this disability on gays and lesbians serves to disrespect and subordinate them. And the Equal Protection Clause, like the Due Process Clause, prohibits this unjustified infringement of the fundamental right to marry.” | It is now clear that the challenged laws burden the liberty of same-sex couples, and it must be further acknowledged that they abridge central precepts of equality … Especially against a long history of disapproval of their relationships, this denial to same-sex couples of the right to marry works a grave and continuing harm. The imposition of this disability on gays and lesbians serves to disrespect and subordinate them. And the Equal Protection Clause, like the Due Process Clause, prohibits this unjustified infringement of the fundamental right to marry.” |
| Updated at 10.27am ET | Updated at 10.27am ET |
| 10.02am ET15:02 | 10.02am ET15:02 |
| Supreme court legalizes gay marriage across US | Supreme court legalizes gay marriage across US |
| Hello and welcome to our coverage of the supreme court’s ruling that the constitution guarantees a right for same-sex couples to marry, a decision that has made gay marriage legal in all 50 states. | Hello and welcome to our coverage of the supreme court’s ruling that the constitution guarantees a right for same-sex couples to marry, a decision that has made gay marriage legal in all 50 states. |
| The court ruled 5-4 that the constitution requires a state to license a marriage between same-sex couples. Each of the dissenting justices wrote a dissent. | The court ruled 5-4 that the constitution requires a state to license a marriage between same-sex couples. Each of the dissenting justices wrote a dissent. |
| In 2013 the court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act, a decision that prompted a slew of state and federal court cases around the country upholding the right to gay marriage and knocking down state bans. | In 2013 the court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act, a decision that prompted a slew of state and federal court cases around the country upholding the right to gay marriage and knocking down state bans. |
| But federal appeals courts disagreed about the legality of such bans, bringing the case in expanded scope before the supreme court. | But federal appeals courts disagreed about the legality of such bans, bringing the case in expanded scope before the supreme court. |
| Same-sex marriage was legal in 36 states, and had a disputed status in Alabama. Some states have sought to circumvent rulings that legalized same-sex marriage, as in North Carolina, where magistrates can now cite religious reasons as legal cause to opt out of officiating same-sex marriages. | Same-sex marriage was legal in 36 states, and had a disputed status in Alabama. Some states have sought to circumvent rulings that legalized same-sex marriage, as in North Carolina, where magistrates can now cite religious reasons as legal cause to opt out of officiating same-sex marriages. |
| Follow along here for analysis and updates on the ruling and reaction from around the US, with contributions from Dan Roberts and Sabrina Siddiqui in Washington, Nicky Woolf at the Stonewall Inn in New York and Amanda Holpuch in Ann Arbor, Michigan, among my colleagues. | Follow along here for analysis and updates on the ruling and reaction from around the US, with contributions from Dan Roberts and Sabrina Siddiqui in Washington, Nicky Woolf at the Stonewall Inn in New York and Amanda Holpuch in Ann Arbor, Michigan, among my colleagues. |
| Updated at 10.06am ET | Updated at 10.06am ET |