With his historic swing vote in the landmark case Obergefell v. Hodges, Justice Anthony Kennedy changed the map, the finances, the dignity, the hopes, and the laws of a nation. But with these words from his decision, he also gave the American people a definition of love and marriage that will endure, no matter what political storms it also brings.
See Scenes of Celebration After Supreme Court Gay Marriage Ruling
Supporters of same-sex marriage celebrate outside of the Supreme Court in Washington, on June 26, 2015.Jacquelyn Martin—APSupporters of same-sex marriage celebrate outside of the Supreme Court in Washington, on June 26, 2015.Mladen Antonov—AFP/Getty ImagesGay rights supporters celebrate after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the U.S. Constitution provides same-sex couples the right to marry, outside the Supreme Court building in Washington, June 26, 2015. Jim Bourg—ReutersSupporters of same-sex marriage celebrate outside of the Supreme Court in Washington, on June 26, 2015.Jim Lo Scalzo—EPAJohn Becker, right, hugs his friend and fellow LGBT advocate Paul Guequierre, outside the Supreme Court in Washington on June 26, 2015.Jacquelyn Martin—APSupporters of same-sex marriage celebrate outside of the Supreme Court in Washington, on June 26, 2015.Jim Bourg—ReutersSupporters of same-sex marriage celebrate outside of the Supreme Court in Washington, on June 26, 2015.Mladen Antonov—AFP/Getty ImagesSupporters of same-sex marriage celebrate outside of the Supreme Court in Washington, on June 26, 2015.Manuel Balce Ceneta—AP
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