The White House was lit up in pride colors Friday night (June 26) to celebrate the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down gay marriage bans across the country.
“The White House was lit to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to progress and equality, here in America and around the world,” a White House official said. “The pride colors reflect the diversity of the LGBT community, and tonight, these colors celebrate a new chapter in the history of American civil rights.”
In a long-sought victory for the gay rights movement, the Supreme Court ruled by a 5-to-4 vote on Friday that the Constitution guarantees a right to same-sex marriage.
“No longer may this liberty be denied,” Justice Anthony M. Kennedy wrote for the majority in the historic decision. “No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were.”
The decision, which was the culmination of decades of litigation and activism, set off tearful embraces across the country, the first same-sex marriages in several 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.
In celebration, the White House changed its Twitter avatar earlier in the day to reflect a rainbow-colored building.
"This ruling is a victory for America." —@POTUS #LoveWins pic.twitter.com/MbPKoTK7WK
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 26, 2015
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