Politics & Government

Supreme Court Strikes DOMA, Reaction from Western Pennsylvania

Social media starts buzzing after the Supreme Court Defense of Marriage Act decision rules federal same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional.

In the Supreme Court's 5-4 opinion striking down parts of the Defense of Marriage Act, Justice Anthony Kennedy said the law denies equal treatment to gay and lesbian couples and "singles out a class of persons deemed by a State entitled of recognition and protection to enhance their own liberty." 

He said the law violates the Fifth Amendment by singling out a class of people who, otherwise, would be entitled to protections that the state had granted to couples who are lawfully married under the state's marriage laws.

Kennedy noted his opinion focused on states that recognize lawful marriages between same-sex couples—of which Pennslyvania is not one.

In a separate ruling, the court cleared the way for same-sex marriage in California. It was also a 5-4 ruling. 

About 300 people in Pittsburgh gathered on Liberty Avenue in downtown to listen for the rulings and celebrate.

What do you think about the Supreme Court's rulings on Wednesday? Tell us in the comments below.


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