Outside City Hall in Philadelphia (USA Today, Photo: Matt Slocum, AP)
After a long fight by activists in the LGBT community, on May 20, 2014, Pennsylvania became the 19th state to overturn the ban on same-sex marriages. I first learned about the ruling on social media networks. A lot of people were ecstatic for the LGBT community and couples in PA. This was a huge win for a battle fought long and hard. I was especially happy for my friends and family members, knowing that when they do decide to tie the knot, they can do it in their own hometown. So what does this victory mean for other states who still have laws banning same-sex marriages?
According to Reuters, The National Organization for Marriage, called the ruling "brazen and unjust" and said it would like to see the issue decided by voters.’ States such as Montana and Utah don’t seem like they will budge anytime soon. According to the Huffington Post, the Utah governor Gary Herbert, said ‘he is committed to defending his state's ban, and he blasted decisions against doing so by leaders in other states’. However, don’t get too discouraged, there have been many lawsuits filed against state governments to “challenge same-sex marriage bans or ask states to recognize gay marriages from other states”. People will continue to fight this ban and before we know it, more states will allow and acknowledge same-sex marriages.
(Washington Post, Photo:Dan Gleiter/AP) Dara Raspberry and Helena Miller holding daughter Zivah Raspberry, of Philadelphia, during the announcement of overturning the ban on same-sex marriage in PA[/caption]Now that the ban is lifted in PA, couples have already started celebrating by exchanging vows. In Dauphin County, last week, out of 68 marriage license applications, 45 were from same-sex couples. How many of you have gotten married since last week? Or are you planning to propose soon? If you are already engaged, have you set a wedding date? Let us know below and hashtag your proposals and wedding photos, at #jaeblog, so we can see!
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