Same-Sex Marriage

Finally, same-sex couple will have the same rights as heterosexual couples. It is certainly a momentous, joyous, and victorious moment for the United States of America.

"No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were," -Justice Anthony Kennedy

This is not a loss for the religious community as the definition of "marriage" used in the ruling was not religiously-affiliated (as there should not be religious inequality). They made a decision to keep "marriage" as they were working with what they are presented. It would have been nice to have used a different term than "marriage", but SCOTUS' solution was elegant and should be effective in prompt manner.

This is a huge step in the civil rights movement and it's surreal that this controversy is finally coming to an end. This is what it must have felt when interracial marriages was legalized in 1967. For me, I felt like this has been building throughout my lifetime, even though we knew that discrimination towards homosexuals was wrong. I remember the day in 2004 when Massachusetts became the first state to recognize same-sex marriages; it was just the beginning that led to today's decision. In 2004, 30% of Americans favored same-sex marriages; now, 60% support same-sex marriages. (Surprisingly in 1967, less 20% Americans approved of interracial marriages. In 2013, only 87% approve of interracial marriages. Yes, I said "only".)

So the future? Hopefully same-sex marriages transition into just "marriages".

Will same-sex marriage still be a major topic in presidential debates after this Supreme Court ruling? I certainly expect presidential candidates to voice their opinions of the "issue" in the near future, but I'm hopeful that the topic will not be a major subject in the minds of the voters in 2016. I have highly doubt that same-sex marriage will become a persistent issue similarly to Roe v. Wade; nor should it become a lingering controversy. It will be refreshing to see the "issue" of same-sex marriage fade and move onto other significant issues. The political landscape is about to change quickly. This is not a victory (nor loss) for Democrats or Republicans, but a victory for the United States of America.

Here is the President Obama's response to the crucial ruling:

Here's the crazy timeline of legalization of gay marriages: