Amid Seattle’s Pride festivities, the Supreme Court decided, in a 5-4 decision, on June 26, that part of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was unconstitutional.
Washington’s same-sex couples should celebrate. The decision will allow same-sex couples to receive the same federal benefits as straight couples. The federal government will now recognize homosexual couples in their laws, programs and benefits, and they will be able to file taxes jointly.
But the fight for equality is not over: Same-sex marriage is only legal in 12 states. These benefits will only reach a small percentage of the country’s gay population.
The past year has been monumental for same-sex couples, especially those here in Washington, who gained the right to marry when voters upheld Referendum 74 last November.
While there is still a long way to go, it’s encouraging to see the country’s highest court take a stand. We hope it won’t be much longer before marriage is legal across the United States, regardless of the genders of the couple involved.
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