5-4 Ruling Says Defense of Marriage Act Unconstitutional, California Decision Limited to in-State Unions
By Doug Porter
The opinion on DOMA was by Justice Kennedy, joined by the four liberal Justices — Ginsburg, Breyer, Sotomayor, and Kagan.
“DOMA singles out a class of persons deemed by a State entitled to recognition and protection to enhance their own liberty.”
Here’s a copy of the opinion. The impact of the case is the federal govt will have to re-work all their regulations to make benefits available to same sex couples. Note that Section 2 of DOMA was not struck down, meaning this ruling has no direct impact on State that ban same sex unions.
Politicians react on Twitter:
Carl DeMaio @carldemaio2m
I’m very pleased with the decision to strike down DOMA. All Americans deserve equal protection under the law.
Barack Obama @BarackObama: Today’s DOMA ruling is a historic step forward for #MarriageEquality. #LoveIsLove”
Right wing reaction:
Supreme Court overrules God…. Won’t be long before they outlaw the Bible as hate speech… How long before federal agents haul pastors out of the pulpit? [Read more…]