The legality of same-sex marriage in the United States

U.S. Supreme Court rules same-sex marriage is legal nationwide

The White House lit up in rainbow colors to celebrate the recent ruling of the Supreme Court legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide.

In a landmark case decided last June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples can marry across the country. This ruling has effectively established a new civil right and handed gay rights advocates a historic victory. However, the Supreme Court was divided in a 5-4 ruling.

The ruling also effectively nullified the same-sex marriage ban previously imposed by 14 U.S. states. According to Justice Anthony Kennedy,  the plaintiffs asked "for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right."

President Barack Obama, who vocally supports the legalization of gay marriage, said the ruling was a "victory for America". "When all Americans are treated as equal, we are all more free " said the U.S. President.