124 Words From Justice Kennedy’s Majority Opinion On Marriage To Remember Forever

Justice Anthony Kennedy’s majority opinion in the Supreme Court’s same-sex marriage case is excellent. The last paragraph is exquisite. Take a look.

Today’s 5-4 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges will likely be studies by legal scholars for centuries. The crazed rantings of Justice Clarence Thomas and Justice Antonin Scalia notwithstanding, the decision is a fascinating read.

But it’s Justice Anthony Kennedy’s majority, and the last paragraph, all 124 words, that is exquisite.

“No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were. As some of the petitioners in these cases demonstrate, marriage embodies a love that may endure even past death. It would misunderstand these men and women to say they disrespect the idea of marriage. Their plea is that they do respect it, respect it so deeply that they seek to find its fulfillment for themselves. Their hope is not to be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from one of civilization’s oldest institutions. They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right.”

Here’s an image of it – save it to your hard drive, take a picture of it, keep it handy. Always remember, #LoveWins.

 

 

 

EARLIER:

Watch: Obama Speaks On Marriage Win – ‘A Victory For America’ (Full Video And Text)

WATCH: Pres. Obama Calls Marriage Lead Plaintiff Jim Obergefell – ‘We’re Really Proud Of You’

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Same-Sex Marriage To Be Law Of The Land Nationwide In Historic Ruling

 

Image by Photo Phiend via Flickr and a CC license