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Towson Same-Sex Marriage Lawyers

Gay couples and gay rights supporters across the country had reason to celebrate recently after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage in all 50 states. This landmark decision is a profound step forward in civil rights that can now be enjoyed by gay couples, including all the legal benefits associated with a marriage contract. Towson same-sex marriage lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC can help same-sex couples navigate the legal aspects of this uncharted territory and ensure that their fundamental rights are protected.

In a five to four ruling, the Supreme Court justices were deeply divided over the decision. The liberal justices who ruled in favor of the decision included Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen G. Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Anthony M. Kennedy. Justice Kennedy has written all of the court’s decisions in favor of gay rights and said that same-sex couples should have the same fundamental right to marry as heterosexual couples.

“Under the Constitution, same-sex couples seek in marriage the same legal treatment as opposite-sex couples, and it would disparage their choices and diminish their personhood to deny them this right,” said Kennedy.

The conservative members of the court – Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. and Justices Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas and Samuel A. Alito Jr. – were against the decision and were united in their opinion that this decision is one that should be made by the people and not the court. For the first time in his career as a Supreme Court Justice, Roberts read a portion of his opposition from the bench.

“If you are among the many Americans – of whatever sexual orientation – who favor expanding same-sex marriage, by all means celebrate today’s decision. Celebrate the achievement of a desired goal. Celebrate the availability of new benefits. But do not celebrate the Constitution. It had nothing to do with it,” he wrote.

President Barack Obama shared his support from the White House Rose Garden, calling the ruling a victory for America. Since 2012, Obama has publicly supported same-sex marriage, and in 2014 stated that he believed that it was a Constitutional right. On the evening of the court’s ruling, the rainbow colors – a symbol of gay rights activists – were projected onto the north face of the White House.

Prior to the ruling, the State of Ohio did not legally recognize same-sex marriages. Jim Obergefell challenged Ohio’s ban on gay marriage in the case of Obergefell vs. Hodges. Obergefell was not legally allowed to put his name on his late-husband’s death certificate after he passed away from ALS. Even though the couple was married in Maryland, the State of Ohio refused to list Obergefell as the surviving spouse. To be denied the basic right of having his name on the death certificate was an injustice he hopes no one else will have to endure. Obergefell sees this ruling as confirmation that love is equal, an idea that millions of people across the country already believe to be true.

While the topic of same-sex marriage continues to be fraught with emotion and intense opinions, support for gay marriage continues to grow with approximately two-thirds of Americans currently in favor. Prior to the Supreme Court’s ruling, 37 states already allowed gay marriage. The United States is the 21st country to declare same-sex marriage legal in all states, including territories. All same-sex married couples will now share the same legal rights and benefits as heterosexual couples.

Going forward, it is likely that same-sex couples will continue to face a variety of unique challenges as more couples get married and face the same issues that heterosexuals encounter, including the event of a divorce. In the wake of the Supreme Court ruling, the same-sex marriage lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles can help navigate this somewhat uncharted territory and ensure that the specific issues are addressed and the newly established rights are protected.

Towson Same-Sex Marriage Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Protect the Marital Rights of Same-Sex Couples

Towson same-sex marriage lawyers at Huesman, Jones, and Miles, LLC are experienced at providing thorough, professional legal counsel to same-sex married couples. Protecting clients’ legal rights, including health benefits, estate planning and tax issues, is our top priority. We represent clients throughout Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Towson, Bel Air, Columbia, Westminster and Essex. To schedule a confidential consultation with one of our reputable Towson family law lawyers, call 443-589-0150 or contact us online.

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