Pre-#SCOTUS Decision, 9:01 AM:
Today is the day for the Supreme Court announcement on the decision they made regarding the Defense of Marriage Act and Prop 8 of California. I’m sitting drinking my morning coffee, perusing my social media platforms just waiting for the decision.
Personally, I’d love to see same-sex marriage allowed across the nation. It is not right that as a gay male, who is in a relationship, that I must take into consideration where I live and work partly because of who I love and how I want to recognize that love. Michael and I have debated on where we want to live and work after Graduate School and a big contention is whether or not we stay with states who only recognize same-sex marriage or not, in particular do we stay in Michigan where our family and friends are. Its very frustrating and in my heart I hope that #SCOTUS will respect and recognize my rights and privileges as an American Citizen to legally allow the recognition of my love and partnership.
My gut feeling is that the #SCOTUS will definitely rule that DOMA is unconstitutional. I believe that #SCOTUS will overturn Prop 8 as well, but of the two, Prop 8 is where I see them kicking it to the states and staying out of the states rights. I am unsure on Prop 8 due to their decision on the Fisher case. If they do overturn Prop 8 however, then it would further the ability for same-sex marriage being recognize at the state level. It would backwardly force states to allow and/or recognize same-sex marriages, benefits, etc, or at least make it easier for states to gain same-sex marriage, etc. in the next few years.
I’m actually feeling really nervous and anxious. This decision will guide where my future goes and it is completely out of my hands. A little weird to consider since we are the ‘Land of the Free’ and supposedly believe that “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” However, we will see in the next hour what #SCOTUS has decided.
Post-#SCOTUS Decision on DOMA, 10:01 AM:
DOMA is struck down: 5-4!!! I have goosebumps. I’m Facebook chatting Michael as we are both watching this historic moment. If we are able to be married we will have recognition by the federal government! This is such a warm fuzzy moment. Another big step for the Civil Rights Movement. Now just waiting for the decision on Prop 8.
Post-#SCOTUS Decision on Prop 8, 10:27 AM:
Prop 8 is dismissed: 5-4!! I have a tear in my eye. Marriage equality will return to California.Congrats to my Californian friends!
So, my gut feelings were right. DOMA is unconstitutional and Prop 8 was kicked back to the state level, where the courts had previously determined it to be unconstitutional. Yey! Maybe Michigan will get its act together and respect and understand my rights as #SCOTUS has today. The LGBT Civil Rights Movement drives forward. The best has occurred as far as #SCOTUS decision options goes. I think the conversations that Michael and I will have in the next few months and years will be very different. The possibility of marriage equality across the nation is becoming a reality and today’s decisions are key agents to move us forward in marriage equality. I’m all a flutter and giddy like a child on Christmas. I look forward to the coming months and watching states react and make FORWARD movement on marriage equality and LGBT rights.
Until next time!
Peace, Love and Pandas!
Hello World, Its Me, Brian 