The Supreme Court of the United States ruled today that same-sex couples will now have the full and equal rights that their straight counterparts have enjoyed. The historic 5-4 ruling put to rest the argument that states can deny couples of the same sex the rights of marriage.
“It’s beyond words,” said Andrea Bowen, the director of Garden State Equality. “It’s a beautiful thing to see and knowing that New Jersey was a leader in pushing for marriage equality is just an amazing feeling.”
New Jersey has recognized gay marriage since September of 2013. The argument against equality has been a religious and political hot point, with support among Americans rising rapidly over the past few years.
“No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice and family,” Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote in behalf of the majority. “In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than they once were.”
The decision comes nearly 50 years after rioting at New York’s Stone Wall Inn sparked the modern gay civil rights movement. New York took the extraordinary step to name the Stonewall bar a historic landmark earlier in the week.
“The Constitution is what it is,” GSE’s Bowen said. “The Supreme Court has spoken. I’m optimistic that there will not be many problems because this is the law- no ifs, ands or buts.”
Bowen reminded all New Jeresy to celebrate this evening. If you are in the are, there is a joint rally of GSE and North Jersey Pride in Maplewood at the municipal building starting at 6:30pm this evening. All are welcome.
For more information visit www.gardenstateequality.org.
