Politics & Government

'Why Shouldn't Two People in Love Get Married?:' Reactions to DOMA Ruling

Residents reacted with joy, relief and resolve upon hearing news that the Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act Wednesday.

Local residents reacted with relief, joy and resolve after the Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that a federal law barring same-sex marriage is unconstitutional.

In a landmark 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the Defense of Marriage Act to be unconstitutional, expanding gay rights and opening the door for same-sex couples to be recognized as legally married.

Local residents reacted swiftly to the decision, with some saying they were happy and relieved, while others vowing to continue the fight for equal rights.

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“I am happy and hopeful for the future based on the DOMA rulings today,” said Doylestown resident Rhonda Raven. “I still feel they fell short by not addressing the question of whether there was a constitutional right to same-sex marriage.”

Raven said the ruling does make her “optimistic that it’s only a matter of time” before all same-sex couples will be able to legally marry in the United States.

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“By denying my partner and I the right to marry, the message is that our love doesn’t count. Our love isn’t legitimate,” Raven said.

To local resident Ed Burleigh, it's a no-brainer. "Why shouldn't two people in love get married? And why should the government have any say on this. Let them get married, raise kids, file joint taxes and share health benefits."

Doylestown resident Marlene Pray said that while LGBT youth and adults have made great strides in gaining acceptance and equal rights, there is still a long way to go.

“Today is a great day to celebrate those gains, as today the Supreme Court punched a few big holes in the wall of oppression built so carefully against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people,” Pray said. “We also have a long way to go toward full equality and equal protection.”

The legalization of gay marriage still remains a state-by-state issue.

“Even if we pass marriage equality in Pennsylvania, which is long overdue, a gay couple can still be kicked out of a hotel during their honeymoon just for being gay,” Pray said. “The exception is the small number of municipalities, including Doylestown Borough, New Hope and Newtown Borough that have local ordinances extending those civil rights protections.”

Pennsylvania currently does not recognize same-sex marriages or civil unions.

State Representative Darryl Metcalfe (R-Cranberry) has introduced legislation to ban same-sex marriage in the state constitution, but the bill has not moved past committee. 

But State Representative Steve Santarsiero, a Democrat representing the 31st District, which includes Newtown, Yardley and Lower Makefield, applauded the Supreme Court’s ruling.

“Today's federal Supreme Court decision to strike down the federal Defense of Marriage Act marks an historic victory for equality and civil rights. Congratulations to same sex couples who can finally be recognized under the laws of our nation for the commitment they have made to each other,” Santarsiero said.

Bucks County resident Rose Strong was married to her partner in Maine on Dec. 29, 2012, the day it became legal in that state.

“This is a momentous day,” Strong said, adding she hopes her home state passes a law to legalize same-sex marriage so that all couples have the same rights and benefits.

Doylestown resident Ann Melby Shenkle said she had just returned from Seattle, where her granddaughter was one of the University of Washington leaders for marriage equity in the state. 

“Today's ruling validated all those young people who worked so hard on behalf of all Americans everywhere who believe in equal rights,” Shenkle said.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, support for gay marriage has grown in Pennsylvania, according to polls conducted by Susquehanna Polling and Research (70 percent in favor) and Franklin & Marshall College (54 percent, up from 33 percent in 2006).

After the ruling, government leaders took to social media.

Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pennsylvania tweeted:  "Glad #SCOTUS made the right decision on #DOMA to strengthen equal rights for all.

President Barack Obama tweeted: "Today's DOMA ruling is a historic step forward for #MarriageEquality. #LoveIsLove"


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