DOMA declared unconstitutional
 

Link to Scotus liveblog:

http://www.scotusblog.com

just saw it! it's a great day.

http://nbcpolitics.nbcnews.com/_news...riage-act?lite


In a landmark ruling for gay rights, the Supreme Court on Wednesday struck down the Defense of Marriage Act, the 1996 law blocking federal recognition of same-sex marriages.

The decision was 5-4, written by Justice Anthony Kennedy.

“DOMA instructs all federal officials, and indeed all persons with whom same-sex couples interact, including their own children, that their marriage is less worthy than the marriages of others,” the ruling said. “The federal statute is invalid, for no legitimate purpose overcomes the purpose and effect to disparage and to injure those whom the State, by its marriage laws, sought to protect in personhood and dignity.”

Cheers went up outside the Supreme Court, where supporters of gay marriage waved signs, rainbow banners and flags with equality symbols.


Under the law, gay couples who are legally married in their states were not considered married in the eyes of the federal government, and were ineligible for the federal benefits that come with marriage.

for texas repubs, and doma supporters:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6i9BsYwspo

It doesn't declare a constitutional right to marriage equality, but it does sure take away most of the financial discrimination, with same sex couples now getting the same federal benefits.

As one comment I saw mentioned, next year will probably be the only year in which a number of couples will be THRILLED to fill out their tax returns. ;)

The Prop 8 duck is a bit murky, but it looks like the general feeling in California is towards reinstitution of same sex marriage licenses.

Good Scotus blog piece on how the refusal to hear the Prop 8 case may play out:

http://www.scotusblog.com/?p=158115

yeah, after the euphoria settles down...i'll have to read up and see what all the details mean.

http://www.nomblog.com/35831

NOM Sharply Condemns US Supreme Court Over Illegitimate Rulings Legislating From The Bench on Marriage and Rewarding Corrupt Politicians and Federal Judges on Prop 8 and DOMA

"There's a stench coming from these cases that has now stained the Supreme Court. It's imperative that Congress continue to protect the right of states to not recognize faux marriages in their state." — Brian Brown


Washington, DC — The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) today expressed dismay and outrage at the US Supreme Court's actions to dismiss Proposition 8 on procedural grounds, and for invalidating a key element of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The group called the decision "illegitimate" and that it will be rejected by tens of millions of Americans, and demanded that Congress continue to protect the right of states to reject same-sex marriages performed in other states or countries.

"In a miscarriage of justice the US Supreme Court has refused to consider the decision of a single federal court judge to overturn the perfectly legal action of over 7 million California voters who passed Proposition 8 defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman," said Brain Brown, NOM's president. "The Supreme Court's holding that proponents of an initiative had no legal right to appeal ignores California law and rewards corrupt politicians for abandoning their duty to defend traditional marriage laws. It's imperative that Congress continue to preserve the right of states to protect true marriage and refuse to recognize faux marriages performed in other states or countries."

Do these 7 million including the black pastors and their flock realize if their argument held any validity a good deal of the south would more resemble 1913 as opposed to 2013?

http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slate...s_unhappy.html



and...the usual bs from the usual suspects.