Supreme Court Strikes Down DOMA, Crowds Outside of Supreme Court Erupt In Joy [PHOTOS]

On Wednesday morning, the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act was struck down by the Supreme Court of the United States as unconstitutional, explaining “DOMA is unconstitutional as a deprivation of the equal liberty of persons that is protected by the Fifth Amendment.”

Justice Anthony Kennedy held the following opinion,

“The federal statute is invalid, for no legitimate purpose overcomes the purpose and effect to disparage and to injure those whom the State, by its marriage laws, sought to protect in personhood and dignity. By seeking to displace this protection and treating those persons as living in marriages less respected than others, the federal statute is in violation of the Fifth Amendment. This opinion and its holding are confined to those lawful marriages.”

DOMA, a law passed by Congress, and signed by President Bill Clinton in 1996, prevented same-sex couples whose marriages were recognized in their home state from receiving benefits available to other married couples under federal law.

Another decision by the Supreme Court, on Proposition 8, resulted in making same-sex marriage legal again in the state of California.

Leading up to the announcement, crowds gathered outside of the Supreme Court in eager anticipation. Immediately after the DOMA announcement, crowds erupted with cheer and celebration. Take a look at some of the reactions in photos below.

What do you think about the Supreme Court's decision? Let us know in the comments.