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5 Years Ago, John Roberts Voted Against LGBTQ Rights. This Week He Stood In Favor Of Them, And That Gives Me Hope

5 Years Ago, John Roberts Voted Against LGBTQ Rights. This Week He Stood In Favor Of Them, And That Gives Me Hope

6/17/20, 3:00 PM

On Friday, June 26, 2015 — just five years ago — in the landmark Oberkefell case, the Supreme Court declared that marriage equality was a constitutionally-protected right for LGBTQ Americans. In that 5 to 4 decision, Chief Justice John Roberts was in the dissent.

I was on a bus from Boston to New York City when the decision came down, traveling to spend New York Pride Weekend with friends. As I received the news, happy tears rolled down my face. And my phone went haywire with texts from friends across the country, ebullient with joy and celebration. As I whipped out my computer to read the poetic and sweeping opinion of Justice Kennedy, I remember needing to assure the person next to me, who was growing concerned by the tears and frenzy on my face and phone.

On Friday, June 26, 2015 — just five years ago — in the landmark Oberkefell case, the Supreme Court declared that marriage equality was a constitutionally-protected right for LGBTQ Americans. In that 5 to 4 decision, Chief Justice John Roberts was in the dissent.

I was on a bus from Boston to New York City when the decision came down, traveling to spend New York Pride Weekend with friends. As I received the news, happy tears rolled down my face. And my phone went haywire with texts from friends across the country, ebullient with joy and celebration. As I whipped out my computer to read the poetic and sweeping opinion of Justice Kennedy, I remember needing to assure the person next to me, who was growing concerned by the tears and frenzy on my face and phone.

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