Groton Reacts to U.S. Supreme Court Striking Down DOMA

The U.S. Supreme Court today, June 26, has struck down the federal Defense of Marriage Act.

As gay rights advocates rallied outside, the court this morning ruled 5-4 against the federal law in what experts are saying is a broad ruling that could doom state laws banning gay marriages.

The court also shot down California's Proposition 8, which banned gay marriage in that state.

The much-anticipated ruling on DOMA means the federal government must recognize gay marriages in the 12 states in the U.S. that have legalized gay marriages, including in Connecticut.

State Sen. Andrew Maynard, D-Groton, an openly gay state legislator, who had just arrived late yesterday from Isatnbul, said that while he had not yet read the entire decision, he described it as "certainly historic."
"certainly historic."

"It represents another milestone on the road to respect, dignity and equal treatment under law for all of our citizens," the Senate Deputy Majority Leader  wrote in an email to Patch. "After half a century of civil rights advances this is further demonstration of Dr. King's observation that "the arc of history is long but it bends toward justice." 

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy today heralded the court's decision as a major advance in equal rights for gays.

"Although the State of Connecticut has recognized marriage equality for same-sex couples since 2008 ... DOMA prevented these legally married couples from being recognized by the U.S. government, thus being denied a host of rights that are afforded to all other married couples," Malloy said. “Having two different sets of laws for people based solely on their gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity is wrong ..."

And Sen. Chris Murphy said in part:

"It has often been said that the arc of moral history bends only toward justice, and today, the Supreme Court proved this axiom to be true. The right to marry the person you love should not be denied to anyone based on their sexual orientation, because in the end, all that should matter is the love you have for the person standing on altar beside you."

Groton Patch Facebook users began 'Liking' and commenting immediately:

Sarah Layher said: It's wonderful! A step in the right direction. I would like to see my children live in a society as adults, where sexual orientation is not an issue and all have equal rights.

Cherie Smada said: Equal rights for everyone if you agree about gay marriage or not. I am very happy for my friends...especially here in Los Angeles.