International Spotlight on Supreme Court Rulings on Gay Marriage
Demonstrators in support of same-sex marriage gather in anticipation of two high-profile rulings regarding same-sex marriage at the US Supreme Court in Washington June 26, 2013. (Photo: REUTERS/James Lawler Duggan)
The US Supreme Court has ruled on two historic decisions in favor of same-sex marriage.
The court invalidated parts of the Defense of Marriage Act, which denied married gay couples certain federal benefits.
And it declined to rule on California’s Proposition 8, paving the way for same-sex marriages to resume in California.
The Supreme Court decisions in Washington are reverberating around the globe.
J Lester Feder is a freelance journalist who reports on same-sex marriage laws in other countries.
He notes the United States is an important player in the same-sex marriage debate around the globe and with the Supreme Court making a strong statement like this it really does send a message.