Politics & Government
Your Take: U.S. Supreme Court Declares DOMA Unconstitutional
The ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act means the court must now recognize Connecticut's gay marriages.
By Eileen McNamara and Caitlin Mazzola
In a major victory for gay rights activists the U.S. Supreme Court today, June 26, has struck down the federal Defense of Marriage Act, the Huffington Post reports.
As gay rights advocates rallied outside, the court this morning ruled 5-4 against the federal law in what experts are saying is a broad ruling that could doom state laws banning gay marriages.
The much-anticipated ruling means the federal government must recognize gay marriages in the 12 states in the U.S. that have legalized gay marriages, including in Connecticut.
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy today heralded the court's decision as a major advance in equal rights for gays.
“Although the State of Connecticut has recognized marriage equality for same-sex couples since 2008 ... DOMA prevented these legally married couples from being recognized by the U.S. government, thus being denied a host of rights that are afforded to all other married couples," Malloy said. “Having two different sets of laws for people based solely on their gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity is wrong ..."
Some Fairfield residents agreed that the decision was a long time coming.
"My husband and I married in Rhode Island. Connecticut and the other 48 states automatically recognize my marriage," Jill Kovacs said via the Fairfield Patch Facebook page. "Should be the same for same sex marriage."
"Equality needs to be recognized in this day and age; one should be able to marry who they love, whether its a woman/man, two women, or two men," Jennifer Hochberg added. "This is no longer the Stone Ages where people have to hide when it comes to whom they love."
The court additionally ruled that the activists who put California's Proposition 8, which bans gay marriage in that state, on the state's ballot in 2008 did not have the constitutional standing to do so, according to the Huffington Post.
What's your take on this issue and this decision? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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