The U.S. Supreme Court Grants Marriage Equality Nationwide

On Friday morning, June 26th, the United States Supreme Court made history by declaring that it is legal for all same-sex couples in America to marry.

While 37 states and the District of Columbia already recognized same-sex marriage, 13 states continued to institute bans on same-sex unions. In a 5-4 ruling, "the justices found that under the 14th Amendment, states must issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples and recognize same-sex marriages legally performed in other states," according an article from The Huffington Post.



The Huff Post also states that the justices defended their decision to legalize marriage equality, because "the right to marriage is an inherent aspect of individual autonomy, since 'decisions about marriage are among the most intimate that an individual can make.' They also said gay Americans have a right to 'intimate association' beyond merely freedom from laws that ban homosexuality."

While the four judges who ruled against marriage equality have each wrote dissenting opinions, the majority "recognized the profound cultural shifts in marriage views, citing both the Chinese educator Confucius and the Roman philosopher Cicero. The justices noted how marriage has been transformed from a union arranged by a couple's parents for financial reasons to a voluntary contract, and from a male-dominated relationship to an agreement where women have 'equal dignity.' These changes, the majority wrote, have strengthened the institution of marriage."

While the U.S. continues to struggle with offering true justice and equality to many of its marginalized and "minority" groups—especially people of color who identify as LGBTQ—the legalization of marriage equality is undoubtedly a triumph.

H/T The Huffington Post

Photo: Getty Images

Michelle Denise Jackson is Senior Editor at For Harriet. You can follow her on Twitter @MichelleJigga or reach her via email: michelle@forharriet.com.