Same-sex marriage supporters in the Central Valley are celebrating today after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have a right to marry nationwide.
Gay and lesbians already have the right to marry in 36 states, including California, and the District of Columbia. But the court’s 5-4 ruling strikes down bans on same sex marriage in 14 states in the south and Midwest.
Jason Scott with Gay Fresno has been advocating in the Central Valley for this ruling for more than 10 years.
“I’m very happy and excited. Everybody can now love the person they love and know that they are going to be treated equally and it is just hard to put into words what that means to so many people."
Scott says it’s a personal victory for him since now all couples have the right to marry, no matter the state. Scott and his husband RJ have been together for 15 years and tied the knot in 2008.
“We’re overjoyed that our son, who is two-years-old, will be able to grow up in a society that will see us as equal and we’re really happy that this decision came down today and that justice wasn’t delayed any further.”
But not everyone is happy about the ruling. In a written statement, Reverand Armando Ochoa with the Catholic Diocese of Fresno said: We do not have to like it; we do not have to embrace it; however we do have to live with it and respond as people of faith.”
The court’s ruling on Friday indicates same sex couples have a constitutional right to marry. The decision takes effect immediately.
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According to Gay Fresno's website, people can go celebrate at the following events:
Fresno: SCORE Sports Cafe 737 E Olive Ave, Fresno 6pm to 9pm
Bakersfield: Rally at Outback Corner on Stockdale 5-7pm
Bakersfield: Gay & Lesbian Center of Bakersfield, 902 18th St, 5pm-9pm
