On Friday morning, President Obama's speech on the gay marriage decision handed down by the Supreme Court became one that will hold up for generations to come. The statement remarked not only praised the decision as the important piece of progress that it is — but moreover, it also set the stage for many more good things to come.
“This morning, the Supreme Court recognized that the Constitution guarantees marriage equality,” the President said. “In doing so, they've reaffirmed that all Americans are entitled to equal protection of the law. That all people should be treated equally regardless of how they are or who they love.” Perhaps more than anything else in President Obama's speech, this moment from it has the furthest-reaching implications. “All Americans are entitled to equal protection of the law” covers everything — every community and every law. Because while today's ruling is a huge victory that is definitely worth celebrating, we would also do well to remember that we still have a long way to go before we achieve true equality. This, though? It's an excellent start, and it sets a precedent for a huge number of positive changes — changes we have so desperately needed to make for so long.
Watch the full video of President Obama's speech on the gay marriage ruling below (statement begins at the 16:30 mark):
