Same-Sex Marriage Declared Legal Across the United States

On Friday, July 5th, the U.S. Supreme Court declared same-sex marriage legal across the country. Out of the nine justices, five voted in favor of this ruling. According to the Associated Press, it no longer matters in which state same-sex couples live, as they will now have the right to register their marriages nationwide. Prior to this ruling, same-sex couples could officially marry in 37 states and the District of Columbia, while it was illegal in 13 states. Justice Anthony Kennedy, representing the majority of the Supreme Court, stated: 'The Court (Supreme) declares that same-sex couples can now exercise their fundamental right to marry, and no one can ignore this freedom.' Chief Justice John Roberts, along with three other justices, opposed the ruling, citing their reasons for dissent. Roberts noted: 'This is a court, not a legislative body.' The Supreme Court issued its final ruling after reviewing appeals regarding decisions from appellate courts in Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, and Tennessee, which had upheld the bans on same-sex marriage in those states, declaring such bans unconstitutional. Reports indicate that the Massachusetts Supreme Court had first ruled same-sex marriage legal in that state eleven years ago. The issue of same-sex marriage has been debated in the U.S. for over forty years, with recent polls showing increasing public support for recognizing same-sex marriage. On June 18, 2011, the United Nations Human Rights Council issued a resolution supporting equal rights for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation. In this context, the U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing same-sex marriage laws, and there was a referendum in Ireland where supporters won for same-sex marriage.