In a landmark victory for equality, the United States Supreme Court today struck down the so-called 'Defense of Marriage Act' or DOMA, a law that prohibited the federal government from recognizing legally married same-sex couples. In a 5 to 4 ruling, the Court determined that "DOMA singles out a class of persons deemed by a State entitled to recognition and protection to enhance their own liberty."

For a list of available spokespeople, including married same-sex couples, faith leaders, marriage experts and more, visit http://glaad.org/marriage/forpress

For additional resources, including facts and figures, as well as information about United States v Windsor and Hollingsworth v Perry, visit http://glaad.org/marriage

"At long last, the legal marriages of countless gay and lesbian couples will be afforded the same federal recognition and protections as any other," said GLAAD spokesperson Wilson Cruz. "Today is a cornerstone for justice and equality -- when our nation once again moved closer to recognizing and celebrating all LGBT Americans for their contributions to our great country."

The Court also denied standing in Hollingsworth v Perry, which challenged the constitutionality of California's anti-gay Proposition 8 or Prop. 8, a statewide ban on marriage equality.  The decision will restore marriage equality in California.

"Fairness has finally been restored in California," said GLAAD spokesperson Wilson Cruz. "A majority of Americans, and now the highest Court in the land, agree that it's wrong to strip loving and committed gay and lesbian couples of the fundamental opportunity to marry the person you love. Today, we stand in solidarity with millions of Californians, who can finally say 'I do' to the person they love."

A March 2013 Washington Post-ABC News poll showed that 58 percent of Americans "believe it should be legal for gay and lesbian couples to get married; 36 percent say it should be illegal."

Yesterday, GLAAD expressed disappointment that a critical section of the Voting Rights Act was ruled unconstitutional, thus removing voting protections for vulnerable Americans, including LGBT Americans. For more information: http://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-lgbt-advocacy-groups-stand-civil-rights-orgs-disappointment-supreme-court-ruling-voting

About GLAAD: GLAAD amplifies the voice of the LGBT community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org or connect with GLAAD on Facebook and Twitter.