While state after state has struck down bans on gay marriage, or ruled them unconstitutional, a few hold outs have made our nation anything but equal. However, the Supreme Court justices have decided to hear cases brought by gay marriage advocates in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee. What makes this so important is that these rulings could bring about a greater decision regarding the constitutionality of same sex marriage across the nation. The fact that same sex couples in Alabama don’t have the same rights as those in New York, shows the disparity that the lack of a national precedent causes.
As of right now, 36 states (welcome Florida!) and the District of Columbia, allow same sex marriage. While some same sex marriage advocates are concerned that an unfavorable decision (or lack of any decision) could negatively affect the cause, it seems that the atmosphere is decidedly hopefully.
“We are ready to make our case before #SCOTUS to end these discriminatory bans once and for all.” -Susan Sommer, Lambda Legal #LGBT
– Lambda Legal (@LambdaLegal) January 16, 2015
The long arc of history bends toward justice AND LOVE! Go #SCOTUS! Go equality!
– Sally Kohn (@sallykohn) January 16, 2015
Retweet this image if you know that #LoveWillWin at #SCOTUS in 2015, for a national victory! http://t.co/YFokTUcleT pic.twitter.com/5qiWFJsCyo
– freedomtomarry (@freedomtomarry) January 16, 2015
The Supreme Court will decide by June on the merits of what we already know: Marriage equality should be for EVERYONE. #LoveEquality
– Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) January 16, 2015
BREAKING: The Supreme Court agrees to take on same-sex marriage… AGAIN. This time it must be equality for ALL. http://t.co/cnHVRO32WV
– Dustin Lance Black (@DLanceBlack) January 16, 2015
RT – if you’re ready for marriage equality. #scotus pic.twitter.com/Zvj0oEK3NY
– Equality NC (@equalitync) January 16, 2015
Great news! #SCOTUS will hear same-sex marriage case. Time for nationwide #marriageequality. http://t.co/s367lpBONP
– Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (@SenatorShaheen) January 16, 2015
*performs Mortal Kombat fatality move on same-sex marriage bans* FINISH HIMMMMM.
– Saeed Jones (@theferocity) January 16, 2015
Deadline was able to catch Ellen’s response.
“It’s about time. The thing that changed the civil rights movement was when white people got involved and started marching. We need everyone on our side. We’re kind of trying to do this march and we need people that believe in equality and believe in fairness and love. If we have people that will join us and give us that, which is only fair to have the same rights as everybody else, then it’s a wonderful world.”
A decision on the four pending cases is expected in June. Hopefully this summer, we will all be considered equal citizens under the law, no matter what state we reside in.
What are your thoughts on SCOTUS taking up same sex marriage again? Are you hopeful? What are your concerns?
