DOMA Ruled Unconstitutional, Land O' Lakes Reacts on Gay Marriage

The Defense of Marriage Act has been ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court. DOMA is the law barring the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages legalized by the states. 

There was a 5-4 vote in the decision.

“DOMA divests married same-sex couples of the duties and responsibilities that are an essential part of married life,” Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote for the majority, according to the Miami Herald.

Although same-sex marriages are not recognized under Florida law, several cities — including St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, Sarasota — as well as Pinellas County have passed domestic partnership registries that allow couples, gay or straight, certain rights in health care and other decisions.

Pasco and Hillsborough counties do not have domestic partner registries.

Readers on Land O' Lakes Facebook Page shared their views on the topic. Here's what they had to say:

Bryan Glifford wrote: "Discrimination has no place in our society ... a step in the right direction!"

Shannon Kelly Fleming wrote: "The government has no right telling any individual how to live their life, and what can make them happy! I believe that everyone has the same rights to love, happiness, and to be who they are regardless of race, religion, or sexual preference. Just let everyone live their lives, and he happy, life's too short as it is!"

Mark S. Hankins wrote: "I do not support same-sex marriage. But I do support the Court's adherence to a higher principle: that what states do should be respected."

The reaction on Twitter included in this article is a live feed of what people around Tampa Bay are posting on the subject.

We'd love to know what you think of the ruling here in Land O' Lakes. You can post a comment on this story, or you can write your own article about it, by starting your own page.

To read more live coverage of the decision, head over to the Huffington Post.