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The Supreme Court rules 5-4 in favor of same-sex marriage.
In a landmark decision that makes same-sex marriages legal across the country, the Supreme Court ruled that the Fourteenth Amendment requires a state to license a marriage between two people of the same sex.
President Obama lauded the decision.
In his remarks, Obama said, "This decision affirms what millions of Americans already believe in their hearts," he said. "When all Americans are treated as equal, we are all more free."
Obama called the plaintiff, James Obergefell, telling him that his case was "going to bring about a lasting change in this country. It's pretty rare when that happens."
Republican presidential candidates took to social media to criticize the decision.
Some states began issuing same-sex licenses shortly after the ruling.
This is a developing story, please return for updates. Read below for background on this case.
The United States Supreme Court is set to issue a landmark ruling on gay marriage by the end of June.
The issue of same-sex marriage has been a polarizing political issue in America over the last several years. In 37 states and the District of Columbia, same-sex couples have been granted the right to marry, which has caused issues at the federal level, where such unions are not legally recognized, and at the state level for 13 states that have banned same-sex marriage.
The SCOTUS ruling could make same-sex unions legal in all states or reaffirm states’ rights to ban same-sex marriage.
The case that the Supreme Court justices are reviewing involves cases from four states: Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee. Oral arguments were heard April 28.
The ruling is expected to answer two main questions: whether the Constitution requires states to allow same-sex marriages and whether states can prohibit same-sex marriages but be required to recognize same-sex marriages that legally took place somewhere else.
If the court rules against a constitutional requirement for same-sex marriage, the decision could jeopardize the status of same-sex unions in those states where the Constitution was used to strike down marriage bans, according to the Associated Press.
Same-sex marriage proponents are seeking equality on an issue that impacts everything from taxes to health care. Same-sex marriage opponents argue that marriage is a sacred institution that is being threatened by “rogue” court rulings, and that states should be allowed to decide the issue.
For more on the same-sex marriage decision, visit the SCOTUSblog.
