“A divided U.S. Supreme Court ruled Friday that U.S. states cannot ban same-sex marriage, establishing a new civil right and handing gay rights advocates a victory,” Ariane de Vogue and Jeremy Diamond report for CNN. “In a 5-4 ruling, Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote for the majority with the four liberal justices. Each of the four conservative justices wrote their own dissent.”
“‘No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice and family,’ Kennedy wrote. ‘In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than they once were,'” de Vogue and Diamond report. “In a dissent, Justice Antonin Scalia blasted the Court’s ‘threat to American democracy.’ ‘The substance of today’s decree is not of immense personal importance to me,’ he wrote. ‘But what really astounds is the hubris reflected in today’s judicial Putsch.'”
The Constitution promises liberty to all within its reach, a liberty that includes certain specific rights that allow persons, within a lawful realm, to define and express their identity. — Justice Anthony Kennedy
I ever joined an opinion for the Court that began: “The Constitution promises liberty to all within its reach, a liberty that includes certain specific rights that allow persons, within a lawful realm, to define and express their identity,” I would hide my head in a bag. The Supreme Court of the United States has descended from the disciplined legal reasoning of John Marshall and Joseph Story to the mystical aphorisms of the fortune cookie. — Justice Antonin Scalia
de Vogue and Diamond report, “Chief Justice John Roberts wrote, ‘If you are among the many Americans — of whatever sexual orientation — who favor expanding same-sex marriage, by all means celebrate today’s decision. Celebrate the achievement of a desired goal. Celebrate the opportunity for a new expression of commitment to a partner. Celebrate the availability of new benefits. But do not celebrate the Constitution. It had nothing to do with it.'”
Apple CEO Tim Cook, a high-profile proponent for gay marriage in the U.S., tweeted the following in response to the ruling:
Today marks a victory for equality, perseverance and love.
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) June 26, 2015
“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) June 26, 2015
SEE ALSO:
Apple breaks ties with Alabama lobbyist who opposes same-sex marriage – February 17, 2015
Apple CEO Cook makes ‘substantial’ donation for gay rights activists in U.S. South – December 19, 2014
Alabama sexual orientation anti-discrimination bill to be named after Apple’s Tim Cook – December 4, 2014
Russian memorial to Apple co-founder Steve Jobs dismantled after CEO Tim Cook announces he’s gay – November 3, 2014
Apple investors don’t care that Tim Cook is gay – October 31, 2014\
Goldman Sachs CEO: Apple’s Tim Cook coming out as gay ‘will resonate powerfully’ – October 31, 2014
Human Rights Campaign: Tim Cook’s announcement that he is gay will save countless lives – October 30, 2014
Apple CEO Tim Cook: ‘I consider being gay among the greatest gifts God has given me’ – October 30, 2014
Apple joins Gay Pride parade in Austin, Texas – September 21, 2014
Apple releases video highlighting employee participation in San Francisco’s LGBT Pride Parade – July 8, 2014
Tim Cook, Apple employees march in LGBT Pride Parade in San Francisco – June 30, 2014
Apple inviting employees to march in annual San Francisco LGBT Pride Parade – May 7, 2014
Apple lauds U.S. Supreme Court rulings on gay marriage – June 26, 2013
Apple among 60 companies to back gay marriage in U.S. Supreme Court amicus brief – February 27, 2013
National Organization for Marriage to Steve Jobs: You’ve become Big Brother (with video) – December 17, 2010
Christian Group asks Apple to reinstate pulled ‘Manhattan Declaration’ iPhone app – November 30, 2010
California’s ‘No on 8’ same-sex marriage campaign models ads on Apple’s ‘Get a Mac’ commercials – November 01, 2008
Apple donates $100,000 to fight same-sex marriage ban in California (Proposition 8) – October 24, 2008