Politics & Government
Defense of Marriage Act Ruled Unconstitutional
Do you agree with the Supreme Court's decision?
By Sharon McLoone
The Supreme Court has ruled that the federal government cannot deny legally married same-sex couples the same federal benefits enjoyed by heterosexual couples, striking down in a 5-4 ruling the Defense of Marriage Act.
Virginia currently bans same-sex marriage, although neighboring Maryland allows them. Washington, DC allows same-sex marriages and civil unions or partnerships.
The nation's highest court also Wednesday cleared the way for same-sex marriages to resume in California. Chief Justice John Roberts, who spoke for the 5-4 majority, said the private parties sponsoring the state's Proposition 8 did not have legal authority to appeal after a federal judge in San Francisco struck down the ballot measure.
The Supreme Court has ruled that the federal government cannot deny legally married same-sex couples the same federal benefits enjoyed by heterosexual couples, striking down in a 5-4 ruling the Defense of Marriage Act.
Virginia currently bans same-sex marriage, although neighboring Maryland allows them. Washington, DC allows same-sex marriages and civil unions or partnerships.
The nation's highest court also Wednesday cleared the way for same-sex marriages to resume in California. Chief Justice John Roberts, who spoke for the 5-4 majority, said the private parties sponsoring the state's Proposition 8 did not have legal authority to appeal after a federal judge in San Francisco struck down the ballot measure.
Virginians have slowly been warming up to the idea of same-sex marriage. In 2006, 57 percent of Virginia voters approved an amendment to the commonwealth’s Constitution defining marriage as something between one man and one woman.
But a recent poll shows 46 percent of Virginians opposing same-sex marriage and 45 percent allowing it.
Falls Church Patch recently spoke with two men in a 13-year relationship - Clifton Taylor and Lawrence Webb - who said they are glad to see progress in the fight for gay marriage.
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In that interview, Taylor said: “I don’t know why there is an issue with gay marriage when 50 percent of heterosexual marriages don’t work.”
Do you support the court’s decision? Tell us in the comments below.
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