In a landmark decision on Friday morning, the Supreme Court ruled same-sex marriage is constitutional.
The high court ruled 5-4 that same-sex couples have a right to marry in all 50 states.
The Obergefell v. Hodges case questioned whether the Constitution allows states to enact bans on same-sex marriage and whether states can refuse to recognize same-sex marriages that took place in another state where same-sex marriage is legal.
Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote the majority opinion. In his ruling he said
"It is now clear that the challenged laws burden the liberty of same-sex couples, and it must be further acknowledged that they abridge central precepts of equality . . . Especially against a long history of disapproval of their relationships, this denial to same-sex couples of the right to marry works a grave and continuing harm. The imposition of this disability on gays and lesbians serves to disrespect and subordinate them. And the Equal Protection Clause, like the Due Process Clause, prohibits this unjustified infringement of the fundamental right to marry."
Each of the justices in the minority wrote a dissenting opinion. The chief dissent came from Chief Justice John Roberts who wrote:
"If you are among the many Americans–of whatever sexual orientation–who favor expanding same-sex marriage, by all means celebrate today's decision. Celebrate the achievement of a desired goal. Celebrate the opportunity for a new expression of commitment to a partner. Celebrate the availability of new benefits. But do not Celebrate the Constitution. It had nothing to do with it."
