The Supreme Court of the USA ruled by a 5-to-4 vote on Friday that the Constitution guarantees a right to same-sex marriage. The decision has made same-sex marriage legal in the 13 states that had continued to ban it.
“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,” wrote Justice Anthony M Kennedy, “no longer may this liberty be denied.”
As Justice Kennedy finished announcing his opinion several lawyers seated in the bar section of the court’s gallery wiped away tears, while others grinned and exchanged embraces. The chamber was packed with judges, lawyers, and clerks wishing to witness the historic case. Outside the court celebrations erupted with a sea of rainbow flags outnumbering the few anti-gay marriage protestors.
Minutes after the ruling, couples in one of the states that had a ban, Georgia, lined up in hope of being wed. On social media, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton merely tweeted the word "proud" and the White House changed its Twitter avatar into the rainbow colours.
President Obama welcomed the decision, saying it “affirms what millions of Americans already believe in their hearts.” Obama said the ruling was a "victory for America” and that “when all Americans are treated as equal, we are all more free.”
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Reader's Comments
In the UK gay marriages can't be nulled in cases where adultery occurs due to gay intercourse not being legally recognised.
Throws up all sorts of issues.
All those gays cruising for random sex, makes them look very very sleazy
This so-called "contract for life" has a 50% failure rate among heterosexuals. I expect to see high rates of gay divorce within 5 years.
If you are serious about a contract for life, make it a part of your vows that one of you must die if the relationship is to be brought to an end. You are making a contract that can only be ended by death, so honour that contract.
The following are noteworthy:
Basic Protestant Vows
"I, ___, take thee,...... till death do us part, ....
Episcopal
"______, ...... as long as you both shall live?"
Methodist
"Will you ..... as long as you both shall live?"
Presbyterian
"I, ______, take you...... as long as we both shall live."
Lutheran
"I take you, _____...... until death parts us."
Catholic Wedding Vows
"I, ___, take you, __..... until death do us part."
Is anyone in any doubt at all that the vows of marriage totally and absolutely exclude the option of divorce and state categorically that the only way for a marriage to end is through death?
what happens if one is a non religeous person?
If the vows include a commitment for life, then divorce is not an option.
If the vows are not for life, then what are they for at all? "To have and to hold, until we lose interest"?
Marriage is a social union between two persons in love.. what does that have to do with a religion?
Religion is a superstitious belief...
Modern day marriage is a capitalist system of control and money-making.
But even atheists can make sincere vows. Just because someone does not believe in some absurd "sky wizard", doesn't mean they can't make and keep a contract.
What is more to the point is that, in my view and that of many others, lifetime monogamy is not natural and it's no surprise that marriage doesn't work.
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