June 26, 2015. Twelve years to the day after the Supreme Court struck down bans on sodomy in Lawrence v. Texas. Two years to the day after the Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act in United States v. Windsor. Today, the Supreme Court of the United States has held that states may not deny marriage licenses to same-sex couples and must recognize same-sex couples' existing marriages.
President Barack Obama on Friday hailed the Supreme Court's decision that legalizes gay marriage nationwide, saying from the White House that a persistent effort on behalf of millions had led to social justice.
"Progress on this journey often comes in small increments. Sometimes two steps forward, one step back, propelled by the persistent effort of dedicated citizens. And then sometimes there's days like this, when that slow, steady effort is rewarded with justice that arrives like a thunderbolt," Obama said in an emotional statement from the Rose Garden of the White House.
"There's so much work to be done to extend the full promise of America to every American. But today we can say — in no uncertain terms — that we've made our union a little more perfect."
Justice Anthony Kennedy issued the majority opinion in the 5-4 ruling, which found that the 14th Amendment requires a state to license a marriage between two people of the same sex.
In his statement, Obama called the decision a "victory for America," saying that it was "gratifying" to see the principle that all Americans are created equal be affirmed with respect to who they love.
"Today should also give us hope that on the many issues with which we grapple, often painfully — real change is possible," Obama said.
"America," he added, "should be very proud."
Thank you for the website : http://www.businessinsider.com/obama-on-gay-marriage-decision-2015-6#ixzz3eBineTTs
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