Politics & Government

DOMA Ruling: What Does Marriage Mean? Vienna Reacts

Vienna advocate calls ruling a "giant step" in showing children, young people and those of all ages they are valued.

Erica R. Hendry also reported for this story.

You couldn't go on social media sites Wednesday without hearing thoughts on the Supreme Court rulings on gay marriage.

Locally, while some readers told Patch they continue to believe marriage should be a union between a man and a woman, many — like Facebook fan Andrea Shultz — responded with a resounding "Yes!"

The court's ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act means the federal government cannot deny legally married same-sex couples the same federal benefits enjoyed by heterosexual couples.

Local resident Carol Lewis, a gay rights advocate and a facilitator of the Western Fairfax chapter of PFLAG (Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays), called the decision a "giant step toward affording our gay families equal protections."  

"It shows our children and young people that they are valued, that they will be treated equally under Federal law, and that they are free, at least in some states, to marry the person they love, just like other couples, and to share the benefits of marriage.  And that is a real boost to their self esteem and self perception.  We have a long way to go in bringing marriage equality to the remaining states, but we will get there, someday, and that day seems a bit closer now," she wrote in an email to Patch.
 
In response to a question on  Vienna Patch's facebook page, Heather Dawn wrote the court got this decision right — "but really a lot of problems would be solved if we took the next step and dissolve state marriage."  

" The purpose is archaic. Women can support and protect themselves. This leaves marriage to be defined in a religious or personal nature. And define it how you chose. "

How do you feel about the ruling? About gay marriage? Let us know in the comments. 

Read our complete coverage:


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here