The United States Supreme Court finally reached a favorable decision on June 26, 2015 that granted same-sex couples the right to be legally married throughout all fifty states. This ruling also includes providing all legal rights and benefits afforded to heterosexual couples through the institution of wedlock. This is a great achievement; while many states had individually legalized same-sex marriage before this decision, there were 13 remaining states which had previously denied such rights and are now required to not only allow gay and lesbian couples to wed, but to also recognize partnerships from other districts.
Though it came down to a 5-4 vote of the Justices, the decision to legalize same-sex marriage throughout the country was granted because of the significant ideals that flow from not only the relationship between two people, but also the relationship extending between the laws and the people governed by those statutes. This was the opinion handed down by Justice Anthony Kennedy:
“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. As some of the petitioners in these cases demonstrate, marriage embodies a love that may endure even past death. It would misunderstand these men and women to say they disrespect the idea of marriage. Their plea is that they do respect it, respect it so deeply that they seek to find its fulfillment for themselves. Their hope is not to be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from one of civilization’s oldest institutions. They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right.”
The state of New Jersey officially legalized same-sex marriage in September 2013, but the news that the rest of the nation has finally followed suit comes with an emotional impact. Now that in every state gay and lesbian couples can be married, they can also avail themselves to different legal services that families and married couples could, including having their marriage recognized out of state. As an experienced Family Law attorney, attorneys is happy to assist every couple who may need help with a Family Law matter. The union of marriage is a sacred entity, and with joy comes the reality that marriages can involve legal issues. For your Family Law matters, give a call today at (732) 422-1000.
