The Supreme Court today ruled Section Three of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional as a violation of the Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection. At the same time the court ruled that the proponents of California’s Proposition 8 did not have standing to appeal the pro-equality decision of District Court Judge Vaughn Walker. People For the American Way Foundation President Michael Keegan issued the following statement:
“Today’s DOMA ruling is a profound step forward for loving, committed same-sex couples across the country. The decision is premised on the plain fact that there is no good reason for the government to recognize some legally married couples while discriminating against others.
“While the outcome of Hollingsworth v. Perry reflects a missed opportunity to affirm the freedom to marry nationwide, it also serves a long-overdue restoration of justice to the thousands of loving couples in California who suddenly saw their marriages put up for a popular vote. This decision clears the way for same-sex couples in California to once again be treated equally under the law.
“Today isn’t just a good day for the LGBT community. It’s an important victory for all Americans who value the principle of equal justice under law and who believe that the long arc of the universe bends ultimately towards justice.
“I couldn’t be happier that Section Three of DOMA and Prop 8 have been consigned to the dustbin of history. But we won’t rest until couples in every state have an equal right to marry the under the law. There’s plenty of work left to do. We can’t wait to do it.”
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