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EdithToday the Supreme Court of the United States Ruled that the Defense of Marriage Act is Unconstitutional.

 The top court also ruled that the Prop 8 Case has no legal standing and remanded it back to the 9th Circuit Court with orders for it’s dismissal.      

EdithIn 1996, only seventeen years ago, but worlds apart regarding the acceptance of LGBT people and marriage equality, Representative Bob Barr of Georgia put forth legislation that would restrict federal marriage benefits and recognition of marriage between states to opposite-sex couples. The legislation, called the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), was passed by both houses of Congress and signed into law by then-President Bill Clinton. Times change, and equality and love have become the “new normal.” Neither Barr nor Clinton support DOMA today, and they now fully embrace equality.

In 2008, California voters approved Proposition 8, which limited marriage to heterosexual couples. This came after a limbo period that year in which many same-sex couples got married following the California Supreme Court’s ruling that limiting marriage to heterosexuals violated the state Constitution. In 2009, two couples wishing to be married were denied licenses and sued, claiming discrimination; their cases went from local court to the highest court in the land. Within that time, public opinion in California and across the nation changed; the people wanted marriage equality and they want it now.

Today, the Supreme Court handed down their rulings in both cases and we celebrate a victory that was hard-fought, hard-won, and sweet to savor. ABC News called the decisions ones to remember “for decades, and perhaps even centuries.” Today’s news from our country’s highest court have proven that diversity, acceptance, equality and love can conquer all, and that every American deserves the right to dignity and happiness.

Hotspots Magazine would like for you to join us, in partnership with local, state and national LGBT organizations, for a celebration of freedoms finally won.

Miami: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the courtyard of the LGBT Visitors Center, 1130 Washington Ave., Miami Beach
Fort Lauderdale- 5:30 PM Federal Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale at 299 E Broward Blvd
Orlando: The Lake Eola Bandshell Thursday, June 27th- 4pm-10pm
St. Pete: 5:00 p.m.- North Straub Park Plaza (in front of the Renaissance Vinoy Resort)

For Rally points across the country, visit: www.lighttojustice.org/