Supreme Court Strikes Down DOMA

Wednesday's highly awaited U.S. Supreme Court rulings struck down the Defense of Marriage Act and Proposition 8, expanding gay rights and paving the way for same-sex marriage in California.

In its landmark 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled DOMA to be unconstitutional. This opens the way for same-sex couples to file joint tax returns, for example, and file for Social Security survivor benefits.

Also at issue was the constitutionality of California’s Proposition 8, the 2008 ballot measure that banned same-sex marriage.  The high court ruled that the same-sex marriage opponents did not have the constitutional standing to appeal a lower-court ruling that had overturned the law.

Reaction was swift.

"While this is a major step in the right direction, we must continue to fight every day to make sure that the fight for equal treatment continues," said U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, a Democrat who represents all or part of Niles, Skokie, Morton Grove, Evanston, Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Glenview, Arlington Heights and Chicago's north side. 

She also urged the Illinois legislature to pass marriage equality. It was not called for a vote before the legislature adjourned last month, according to Huffington Post.

“This is an extraordinary moment in our country’s history," she added.  "I applaud the LGBT community, the activists, groups, and everyday citizens who kept fighting and never gave up.  For those who spent millions of dollars fighting against equality, I’d like to remind you: it’s expensive to fight history.”

The Catholic Conference of Illinois, which represents the six dioceses in the state, issued the following statement:

"The Catholic Conference of Illinois regrets the U.S. Supreme Court’s wrong decision to invalidate the Defense of Marriage Act.  Marriage comes to us through God’s nature as the union of one man and one woman.

The ruling, however, does not mandate a redefinition of marriage across the nation, so the citizens of Illinois can still preserve marriage by telling their state lawmakers to honor the natural truth of marriage as the union of one man and one woman.

The Catholic Church in Illinois and across the world will continue to promote this truth.

The Catholic Conference of Illinois will work to preserve marriage and stress the disturbing lack of religious freedom protections included in Illinois’ legislative efforts to redefine marriage.  The bill before the Illinois legislature lacks even the minimal protections found in other state laws authorizing the redefinition of marriage, including New York, Minnesota, Rhode Island and Connecticut." 

President Barack Obama tweeted: 

"Today's DOMA ruling is a historic step forward for #MarriageEquality. #LoveIsLove"

The rulings reflect shifting opinions in the country on same sex marriage.

The legalization of gay marriage still remains a state-by-state issue. In Illinois, pressure will likely build for the House to consider approving marriage equality when the legislature reconvenes in the fall. 

Tell us: What are your thoughts on the legality of same-sex marriage? Share your opinion in our comment section, or post a blog if you have a longer comment.