A divided Supreme Court ruled on Friday with a 5 to 4 opinion that individual states can no longer prohibit same-sex marriage.
This landmark decision establishes a new civil right that gay rights advocates have been fighting for since the Supreme Court’s dismissal of the Baker v. Nelson case in 1972. On this historical day, many Mississippians shared thoughts on the Supreme Court’s ruling.
State representative Brad Mayo said, “”I thought it was a decision that should be left up to the states, but our courts thought otherwise.”
U.S. Senator Roger Wicker issued the following statement regarding the Supreme Court’s decision on Obergefell v. Hodges:
“I have always believed that marriage should be between a man and a woman, a belief shared by many Americans. There are people who hold strong views on both sides of this issue, and reasonable people can respectfully disagree. I will continue to work to protect the First Amendment rights of those who, based on their religious convictions, oppose same-sex marriage.”
Wicker is a co-sponsor of the “First Amendment Defense Act,” which would prevent the federal government from discriminating against any individual or institution that defines marriage as a union of one man and one woman. It would also bar the government from denying any federal grants, contracts, licenses, or tax exemptions from individuals or groups based on their beliefs.
Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant echoed Sen. Wicker’s sentiments. He said in a statement: “Throughout history, states have had the authority to regulate marriage within their borders. Today, a federal court has usurped that right to self-governance and has mandated that states must comply with federal marriage standards—standards that are out of step with the wishes of many in the United States and that are certainly out of step with the majority of Mississippians.”
Marilyn Tinnin, publisher of Mississippi Christian Living, said that she fears persecution of Christians will rise to a new level as a result of the recent ruling. “Anyone who stands to defend traditional marriage is labeled as a hate-monger, and I am not sure where this is going to go.”
In Oxford, local leaders and citizens shared their reaction to the historic ruling.
Jay Hughes, Alderman of Oxford and a candidate in running for district alderman in Ward 1, said, “As a military veteran, practicing attorney and elected official, I have always respected that the U. S. Supreme Court is the law of the land. It has once again spoken and affirmed that all Americans shall be treated equally under the eyes of the law.”
Cindy Meek Brown, the president and CEO of Oxford Property Concepts, LLC and an Oxford citizen, said, “I think it’s high time we afforded all our citizens the same rights.”
David Huckaby, Oxford citizen, said, “Now’s the time to decide who is the ultimate authority, God or the Supreme Court. God is the one who created man and woman, and thus created marriage. Therefore, I’ll trust Him and His perfectly laid foundation for what truly ‘defines” marriage.'”
Michelle Reidy, Oxford citizen, said, “Marriage equality in every state in our union has been a long time coming. You love who you love, and who are we as a people to treat one ideology different from the other? That one is better and more correct and godly than another? In my view, and obviously in the view of many, we don’t have that right. The majority of the country believes this is the right thing to do. This is called democracy. The people and the highest court in our nation have spoken. God bless Our United States of America today.”
The Rev. Chris Diggs of Burns-Belfry Church said, “It would be hypocritical for me to say that I hate same-sex couples because the Bible teaches us to love one another. The Bible is also clear when it teaches us that marriage is between one man and one woman.”
The court’s decision does not immediately take effect in the states of Mississippi or Louisiana. Per Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood, an ongoing legal proceeding will hinder the issuing of same-sex marriage certificates in Mississippi. The state’s ban on same-sex marriage was overturned in 2014 during a federal lawsuit by U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves. Reeves issued a stay on his order, and until the stay is lifted, same-sex marriage licenses will not be issued.
Hood issued the following statement: “The Office of the Attorney General is certainly not standing in the way of the Supreme Court’s decision. We simply want to inform our citizens of the procedure that takes effect after this ruling. The Supreme Court decision is the law of the land and we do not dispute that. When the 5th Circuit lifts the stay of Judge Reeves’ order, it will become effective in Mississippi and circuit clerks will be required to issue same-sex marriage licenses.”
According to published reports, it could take several days before the 5th Circuit lifts the stay.
HottyToddy.com Staff Report
