ryansallans:

Today, the Supreme Court made historic rulings that will impact our LGBT relationships and families in a positive way. Today, the Supreme Court ruled the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) as UNCONSTITUTIONAL, and dismissed the ban on marriage in California “Prop8” on standing. What does this mean for marriage equality in the United States?

It means two things.

1) DOMA:  The federal government will no longer discriminate against LGBT couples who are married in states that recognized marriage equality. Meaning LGBT couples will no longer have to file as “single” on their federal tax return and “married” on their state return. It also means that if your sweetie is from a different country and you are living in a state that recognizes marriage equality, you CAN be your sweeties sponsor because the federal government will recognize your marriage. It ALSO means that married couples will receive social security benefits if a spouse passes. There are several hundred more rights that have just been granted to these LGBT couples. 

2) Prop8. Regarding the ruling on Prop 8, dismissal on standing means that the opponents to marriage equality had no legal backing to bringing the state’s decision on Prop8 being unconstitutional to the district court. So, marriage equality will be restored in California. This DOES NOT mean that marriage equality will be granted in all 50 states. States that currently have bans in place, will continue to do so, unless they are also sued and found to be unconstitutional. With the rulings today, those lawsuits may have more backing to overturning current states that still discriminate. 

Continue to advocate, educate and vote. Continue to be involved in politics and elections. Without our individual voices, we have no protection. 

-Ryan