After the Supreme Court ruled Wednesday to strike down the 1996 law blocking federal recognition of gay marriage, a wave of joy and emotion washed over same-sex couples and supporters across the nation. When it was announced that the court had invalidated the Defense of Marriage Act that had denied federal benefits to gay couples in states allowing gay marriage, same-sex marriage supporters celebr
Outside the Supreme Court in Washington, unrestrained exultation by gay rights supporters greeted the two landmark decisions.Jim Lo Scalzo / Today
By Scott Stump
After the Supreme Court ruled Wednesday to strike down the 1996 law blocking federal recognition of gay marriage, a wave of joy and emotion washed over same-sex couples and supporters across the nation.
When it was announced that the court had invalidated the Defense of Marriage Act that had denied federal benefits to gay couples in states allowing gay marriage, same-sex marriage supporters celebrated with hugs, kisses and tears. The court also said it could not rule on a challenge to California's Proposition 8, which had banned gay marriage in the state since 2008, which means that same-sex marriage can now resume in California.
The historic day was marked by emotional scenes everywhere, from right outside the Supreme Court to a large gathering of supporters in San Francisco, from watch parties across the country to heartfelt moments between same-sex couples in their homes as they heard the news.
Here is a look at some of the reactions from same-sex couples and gay rights supporters from around the nation.