Same-Sex Marriage Is now Legal In All 50 States in the U.S.

States cannot keep same-sex couples from marrying and must recognize their unions, the Supreme Court says in a ruling that for months has been the focus of speculation.

The decision was 5-4. Justice Anthony Kennedy, seen as a pivotal swing vote in the case, wrote the majority opinion. All four justices who voted against the ruling wrote their own dissenting opinions: Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito.

Welcoming the news on Twitter, President Obama wrote, “Today is a big step in our march toward equality. Gay and lesbian couples now have the right to marry, just like anyone else. #LoveWins.”  Before Friday’s ruling, gay marriage had already been made legal in 37 states – by either legislative or voter action or by federal courts that overturned state’ bans. 

The ruling announced Friday adds new definition to an issue that has remained controversial even as an increasing number of Americans say they support equal marriage rights for same-sex couples. A recent Gallup poll found that 60% of Americans support extending the same rights and privileges to same-sex marriages as traditional ones.

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