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Health & Fitness

Mission Viejo Residents react to Prop 8 and DOMA rulings

For years the federal government undermined the civil rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender  (LGBT) community, which they rightfully have earned as citizens of the Unites states.  Since the passing of DOMA in 1996, federal agencies refused to recognize rights for same sex marriage.  In 2008, California passed proposition 8, which banned same sex marriage in the state by a vote of 52.3% to 47.7%.

As of yesterday, the definition of a traditional marriage has been hung in the closet as the U.S. Supreme Court legalized the right for same sex couples to marry in the United States.

In a 5 to 4 ruling, the Supreme Court dismissed Proposition 8 and Clinton’s Defense of Marriage Act of 1996. Therefore, granting same-sex couples the right to marry in the state of California and equal benefits- family medical leave protections, social security, joint tax returns.

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The definition of marriage has been a prevalent issue that has swept across the nation for more than a decade, these rulings serve as a big step forward for the LGBT community.

While the majority of Mission Viejo residents interviewed supported the Supreme Court, few thought other wise. 

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“America is all about the people and what the people think. We voiced our opinion with proposition 8 and now they call it unconstitutional? I think it is somewhat hypocritical.” – Gabriel Blank

“It is another step forward for equality in this country.”—Frank Kenney

“I feel it is about time everyone had the right to marry that person they love. We are at a point in our society that we have a president of color, a woman has a right to an abortion, and soon all states will legalize marijuana.” –Kim Paepke

“The supreme court justices are elected for life for a reason so they don’t use their own personal judgment when ruling on cases so they would get reelected. The only judge on their interpretation of the Constitution so if they deem banning same sex marriage in California uncconcstitutional. Then I don’t see what the problem is allowing it.  But I have always agreed with Gay couples having the same rights as a heterosexual couple. I always get hurt when I hear stories of partners being together for 20 years and one of them are dying in the hospital and family members who disowned them before for being gay are the ones with the rights of the person while he is in the hospital and the partner has no decision for it. “- Valery Fregoso

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