Proponents of LGBT equality have waited decades for the historic Supreme Court ruling made yesterday: The federal government will recognize gay marriages as legitimate.
Although Louisiana is not a state where gay marriage is legal, Baton Rouge residents still celebrated the monumental step forward for marriage equality.
The Metropolitan Community Church, a church that welcomes LGBT people as well as people of all faiths, held a small celebration in honor of SCOTUS striking down section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act and Proposition 8.
Reverend Keith Mozingo, a pastor of MCC, shared some of the church’s history involving gay marriage and unions over the years. He said this December will mark MCC’s 30th year in Baton Rouge.
“Today was a great win, but there’s more work to be done,” Mozingo said. “I’m thankful for the 13 states and Washington, D.C. … I have friends in a lot of those states that are married legally now and will get the … 1138 benefits that they deserve.”
Matthew Patterson, Capital City Alliance education and advocacy committee chair and political coordinator of Equality Louisiana, spoke about the political effects of the Supreme Court ruling and what Louisiana can do to progress equality.
“I see … 25, 26 people counting me in this room. So if nine people just changed the law the entire country has to follow, what are we going to do?” Patterson asked. “We have a lot more numbers than that. So this is clearly not the end, we have many more battles to fight.”
Tom Merrill, chairman of Baton Rouge Pride and University Agriculture Center communications professor, weighed in on the ruling, noting that Louisiana still has a long way to go.
“It’s still a great thing for every one of us,” Merrill said. “It’s a good thing for the state. It’s still a great thing for our country … baby steps get us there.”
Patrick Cain, lay delegate of MCC and University medical school professor, said the Supreme Court’s wording in their decisions on DOMA and Prop. 8 sets the stage for LGBT people in conservative states to challenge their state’s definition of a legal marriage. He said this process will likely pave the way for red states to legalize gay marriage.
“Let other people know that the person that they work with, live next to, is an LGBT person.” Cain advised. “And if you liked me yesterday and didn’t know, then there’s no reason once you do know it should be any different.”