Supreme Court rulings advance gay rights

October 8, 2013February 3, 2014 Kelly Chan

Gay rights supporters rallied outside the Supreme Court.

Elated gay couples and supporters gathered outside the Supreme Court on June 26, reveling in the historic decision that would transform their lives as citizens. That same day, the court had examined Windsor v. U.S. and Hollingsworth v. Perry, two pivotal gay marriage cases which addressed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and California’s Proposition 8, respectively.

The court deemed DOMA unconstitutional by a vote of 5-4 and dismissed Prop. 8, legalizing same-sex marriage in the state of California.

“There are some 40,000 children in California…that live with same-sex parents, and they want their parents to have full recognition and full status. The voice of those children is important in this case, don’t you think?” said Justice Anthony Kennedy on the constitutionality of banning same-sex marriage.

As a result of DOMA’s defeat, gay couples married in states that permit same-sex marriage now have the right to receive the same federal health, Social Security, tax, and other benefits that were previously granted to only heterosexual couples. In dismissing Prop. 8, the court maintained a lower court’s decision that California’s ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional.

“I’m very happy Prop. 8 was struck down. I’ve always been a supporter of LGBT rights,” said senior Claire Fusich-Falzone. “People should be able to marry who they want to marry and have the same rights. As long as it’s consensual, love should not be controlled by the government.”

Others, however, feel differently about the defeat of Prop. 8 and DOMA. “I think that marriage should be kept the way it always has for thousands of years. Why should gay marriage be allowed if they can’t physically have a baby?” said senior Daniel Robertson.

Because of the court’s ruling, same-sex marriage is now authorized in 13 states as well as in the District of Columbia, covering more than a third of the U.S. population. California Governor Jerry Brown ordered the resumption of gay marriages in July.

“I’m just proud that America can show our best side,” said CVHS parent Suzanne Quijano in response to the defeat of Prop. 8. “I love how the young kids today will assume it’s always been equal and fair.”