Eureka, Wildwood Reacts in Real Time to Gay Marriage Decisions

Declaring that the law denies equal treatment to gay and lesbian couples, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 to strike down parts of the Defense of Marriage Act Wednesday morning.  

Writing for the majority, Justice Anthony Kennedy said the law violates the Fifth Amendment by singling out a class of people who, otherwise, would be entitled to protections that the state had granted to couples who are lawfully married under the state's marriage laws.

Kennedy noted his opinion focused on states that recognize lawful marriages between same-sex couples — of which Missouri is not one.

The Missouri Constitution specifically bans gay marriage, noting that it is the "public policy of this state to recognize marriage only between a man and a woman" and that "any purported marriage not between a man and a woman is invalid."

Voters approved that provision in the constitution in 2004.

Followers of the Eureka-Wildwood Facebook page all praised the Supreme Court's decision, with one reader summing up the feeling in one word: "Proud." 

Here are some other comments we received about the ruling: 

Carla Braune Schaschl: "Jubilant! Equal rights for all!"

Dennis Allen: "If you pay taxes you should be entitled to receive benefits regardless."

Jennie Birdsall-Ragland: "Thrilled. Equal rights for all! Thank you SCOTUS!"

Melissa Ponce-Teran: "Awesome, Love is love! Stay out of my bedroom and I will stay out of yours. Nobody gay or straight has ever been able to explain how it is a gay marriage would affect a straight one. Maybe I will get married now.... I have been with my spouse for 10 years next week!"