Supreme Court Strikes DOMA; Baldwin-Whitehall Reacts

In the Supreme Court's 5-4 opinion striking down parts of the Defense of Marriage Act, Justice Anthony Kennedy said the law denies equal treatment to gay and lesbian couples and "singles out a class of persons deemed by a State entitled of recognition and protection to enhance their own liberty." 

He said the law violates the Fifth Amendment by singling out a class of people who, otherwise, would be entitled to protections that the state had granted to couples who are lawfully married under the state's marriage laws.

Kennedy noted his opinion focused on states that recognize lawful marriages between same-sex couples—of which Pennslyvania is not one.

In a separate ruling, the court cleared the way for same-sex marriage in California. It was also a 5-4 ruling. 

We got supportive reaction from Baldwin-Whitehall Patch Facebook users. 

"I think everyone should be treated the same way under the law," Sandra Akacem wrote. "I have many gay friends and there is no reason they cannot be at their loved ones' bedside when that person is dying, nor any reason they should not be able to inherit from one another. Someday folks will stop trying to control the lives of others by their own belief system and the world will be a better place."

Click here to read more reaction from Baldwin-Whitehall.

Click here to read the thoughts of a Pittsburgh activist.

About 300 people in Pittsburgh gathered downtown on Liberty Avenue to listen for the rulings and to celebrate.

What do you think about the Supreme Court's rulings on Wednesday? Tell us in the comments section below.