Community Corner
Smyrna Catholics "Extremely Disappointed" by Supreme Court Rulings on Same-Sex Marriage
On Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on two major same-sex marriage issues, entitling same-sex couples to federal benefits and allowing same-sex marriages in California once again.
Catholic leaders with the Archdiocese of Atlanta in Smyrna said they are "extremely disappointed" with the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to strike down part of the Defense of Marriage Act.
This morning, the Supreme Court ruled by a 5-4 vote that married same-sex couples were entitled to federal benefits, and therefore, the federal Defense of Marriage Act from 1996 was unconstitutional. The law had defined marriage as “a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife."Â
With Wednesday's Supreme Court decision, benefits will now be extended to couples in the states where same-sex marriage is legal.
"Glad to see we're moving towards loving our neighbors ... as a country!" said Patch reader Donna Stott.Â
While supporters of gay marriage celebrate the outcome of the court's rulings today, the Catholic Church is calling the decision "unfortunate".
"Today’s unfortunate decision by the U.S. Supreme Court striking down part of the Defense of Marriage Act is extremely disappointing," said Archbishop Wilton Gregory with the Archdiocese of Atlanta. "The future of marriage and the well-being of our society hang in the balance."
In a second decision Wednesday morning, the Supreme Court cleared the way for same-sex couples to once again marry in California by a 5-4 vote.
Was the Supreme Court right in its ruling striking down the Defense of Marriage Act? What about its decision on California’s Proposition 8? Tell us in the comments.
"Catholic teaching protects the dignity of every human person, all deserving love and respect, including those who experience same-sex attraction," said Archbishop Gregory. "But no one–especially a child, is served by marriage redefinition."There is no change to Georgia’s constitutional amendment protecting marriage as a union between one man and one woman, as the Supreme Court left it standing for the time being.
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