Same-Sex Marriages To Resume in California By July

The Supreme Court of the United States ruled Wednesday that backers of California's Proposition 8 couldn't appeal a lower court decision allowing same-sex marriage in the state. 

According to the SCOTUSblog this means that "same-sex marriage will be available in California, at least where court clerks take the position that Prop 8 is unconstitutional." California officials will get back to issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples by the end of July, according to California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The 5-4 ruling has the effect of reinstating a 2010 decision in which now-retired U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker of San Francisco rules that Proposition 8 violated the federal constitutional rights to equal treatment and due process.

In another decision today, the court by a 5-4 vote struck down the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which had prohibited the U.S. government granting federal benefits and tax advantages to same-sex couples who were legally married in their state.

How do you feel about the SCOTUS ruling against Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act? Share your thoughts and reactions in the comments.