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Monday, July 1, 2013
NATION
The University Daily Kansan
Students weigh in on recent DOMA repeal
CODY KUPIER
@kupier@kansan.com
"How did you react to the Court's decision?"
In a highly anticipated decision, the Supreme Court declared the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional last Wednesday.
The act defined marriage as a union between a man and a woman and denied federal benefits to same-sex couples whose marriages were recognized on the state level. Following the Supreme Court's decision, same-sex couples can now receive those benefits, like joint tax returns and health insurance.
In his majority opinion, Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote that DOMA was struck down because it "violates basic due process and equal protection principles applicable to the Federal Government."
We asked students on campus how they reacted to the Court's decision.
"I'm really excited that they struck down DOMA, and it's really great to see all the love and support on the internet from people who are excited about it. And I know that there are lots of LGBT activists who are happy to move on to other issues they consider pressing, so it's great to have that too."
Jennifer Nish, Omaha Neb.
"I'm elated. Me and my boyfriend can actually get married in Massachusetts and still be here. Obviously people would think the first step would be state-level gay marriage, but it's kind of backwards-good backwards -- where it comes federally first and states will hopefully follow."
"I was kind of surprised since we've generally had a conservative history concerning most acts, but it's kind of exciting because it's a move in a direction, which is good. So we should see what happens in the future, if they keep it up or change their minds."
Scott Lloyd, Boston, Mass.
— Annette Jardon, Overland Park, Kan.
"Honestly, it seemed like a long time coming. The first time someone told me what it was, I was like, 'Doesn't that violate Full Faith and Credit on Face?' It always screamed unconstitutional to me. It's not a surprise, but a good step of progress when we're overturning unconstitutional, discriminatory laws."
Scott Ross, Nevada, Mo.
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