Why U.S. Supreme Court decision on gay marriage is important for Belize

Saturday, June 27, 2015. Aaron Humes Reporting: In a razor-thin 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Friday that marriage between persons of the same gender is a legal right under the Constitution in all 50 states.

With more than 30 already supporting gay marriage, the ruling in Obergefell vs. Hodges clears the way for all states to authorize such marriages, although some such as Texas want to make exceptions for those whose religious beliefs put them in opposition.

While the ruling was marked with cheers and some tears, does it set a precedent for the rest of the world, and particularly Belize, where our Supreme Court has yet to rule on the criminality of homosexuality case brought by executive director of United Belize Advocacy Movement Caleb Orozco?

Orozco himself says he was “fascinated by the language used in reference to dignity… to family and the concern for the children in reference to those families,” as used by the majority written by Justice Anthony Kennedy.

Orozco adds that Supreme Court Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin should show similar resolve in making a decision that reverses discrimination that is both social and legal in scope. He readily admits that a single ruling will not change people’s personal opinions and perspectives, which he says are informed – or not informed, as the case may be – by their experiences with populations they do not know of.

The Orozco case was argued two years ago in May of 2013.

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