The US Supreme Court has rejected appeals against the legalisation of gay marriage in Indiana, Utah, Oklahoma, Virginia and Wisconsin.
The ruling is not sufficiently wide-ranging to finally resolve the question about the legality of gay marriage across the US, but uphold two ruling by lower courts and brings the number of states where gay marriage is officially legal up to 30, plus the District of Columbia.
The decision was welcomed by gay rights and equality campaigners throughout the US, and demonstrates the continued momentum in support for gay marriage since the Supreme Court’s two landmark ruling last year.
Upon hearing the decision, Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin said:
“Any time same-sex couples are extended marriage equality is something to celebrate, and today is a joyous day for thousands of couples across America who will immediately feel the impact of today’s Supreme Court action.
“But let me be clear, the complex and discriminatory patchwork of marriage laws that was prolonged today by the Supreme Court is unsustainable. The only acceptable solution is nationwide marriage equality and we recommit to ourselves to securing that ultimate victory as soon as possible.”
Evan Wolfson, president of Freedom to Marry, commented:
“Today’s decision by the Supreme Court leaves in force five favorable marriage rulings reached in three federal appellate courts, ensuring the freedom to marry for millions more Americans around the country.
“The Court’s letting stand these victories means that gay couples will soon share in the freedom to marry in 30 states, representing 60% of the American people. But we are one country, with one Constitution, and the Court’s delay in affirming the freedom to marry nationwide prolongs the patchwork of state-to-state discrimination and the harms and indignity that the denial of marriage still inflicts on too many couples in too many places.
“As waves of freedom to marry litigation continue to surge, we will continue to press the urgency and make the case that America – all of America — is ready for the freedom to marry, and the Supreme Court should finish the job.”
