The US Supreme Court has made the historic ruling that same-sex couple across the nation can marry. It was a 5-4 ruling, with Justice Anthony Kennedy crucially siding with the four liberal justices. "No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice and family," Kennedy wrote in his decision. "In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than they once were." On the other hand, Conservative Justice Antonin Scalia described the move as a "threat to American democracy." Married US same-sex couples will now enjoy the same legal rights and benefits as married straight couples, no matter which state they live in. The ruling was celebrated by hundreds of people waving rainbow flags and banners in front of the Court, and sang the national anthem. President Barack Obama called the lead plaintiff in the case to offer his congratulations, saying "your leadership on this has changed the country." Human Rights Campaign says marriages have begun in all but one state. Governor Bobby Jindal continues to stand in the way of marriage equality in Lousiana.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 27th June 2015 - 10:39am