First decision is DOMA - in a 5 to 4 ruling, DOMA is ruled unconstitutional. Scalia, Roberts, Alito and Thomas dissent.
"DOMA is unconstitutional as a deprivation of the equal liberty of persons that is protected by the Fifth Amendment," SCOTUS blog writes. "DOMA singles out a class of persons deemed by a State entitled ot recognition and protection to enhance their own liberty."
Kennedy wrote the opinion - including these words at the bottom of 25-26: "The federal statute is invalid, for no legitimate purpose overcomes the purpose and effect to disparage and injure those whom the State, by its marriage laws, sought to protect in personhood and dignity. By seeking to displace this protection and treating those persons as living in marriages less respected than others."
A link to the decision is HERE
Second decision: The Proposition 8 appeal is dismissed in a 5 to 4 opinion on the issue of standing. Chief justice Roberts and Scalia write opinion. This means that the current status in California will stay in place. "Same-sex marriage will be available in CA, at least where court clerks take the position that Prop 8 is unconstitutional," according to the SCOTUS blog.
Outside the SCOTUS this morning. People awaiting three decisions, including DOMA and Prop 8.
