The US Supreme Court legalised same sex marriage in a long-sought victory for the gay rights movement, Friday morning in a 5-4 decision.
Within hours, couples across the country were being issued marriage licences.
The decision, which was the culmination of decades of litigation and activism, set off jubilation and tearful embraces across the country. The first same-sex marriages in 50 states and resistance or at least stalling in others. It came against the backdrop of fast-moving changes in public opinion with polls indicating that most Americans now approve of the unions.
On social media, happiness bloomed under the hashtag #LoveWins – which fast became the top trending topic worldwide. Couples, supporters, companies and celebrities came together to express their gratitude – and, at times, their shock – at the ruling.
President Barack Obama said the ruling was a “victory for America”.
“When all Americans are treated as equal, we are all more free ” he said.
Retweet to spread the word. #LoveWins pic.twitter.com/JJ5iCP4ZWn
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) June 26, 2015
Very cool @BarackObama. #LoveWins pic.twitter.com/upTGG4r6iJ
— Christoph Janz (@chrija) June 27, 2015
Also on Twitter, singer Katy Perry said she was “really encouraged to be an American today” and for pop-star Ariana Grande, the announcement came as a pleasant surprise on her 22nd birthday.
Disney <3 #LoveWins pic.twitter.com/ZJ7l5bokBY
— Yvar de Groot (@Yvar) June 27, 2015
So happy to witness this amazing moment, congratulations USA! #LoveWins (Zayn ✌😂 ) pic.twitter.com/0hsA0ok27p
— Zayn Malik PH (@ZaynMalik1DPHIL) June 27, 2015
i will never understand why this has ever been “illegal” .. love is love no matter what gender you are. #LoveWins
— 月光 ♡ (@Evita_Evitoula) June 27, 2015
YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH I CRIED AT THIS VIDEO. IT JUST MAKES ME SO HAPPY #LoveWins pic.twitter.com/VUvDQPb1d9
— Char (@JACKSWEEZY) June 27, 2015
Relationship goals #LoveWins pic.twitter.com/EVGW9J8YK1
— Beb loves Harry♡ (@babybebb_) June 27, 2015
Congratulations – Love is Love!
