In a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution guarantees the freedom for equal marriage -- a victory for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) rights advocates.

"This ruling is a victory for America," said President Barack Obama from the White House Rose Garden late Friday morning.

"Progress on this journey often comes in small increments, sometimes two steps forward, one step back, propelled by the persistent effort of dedicated citizens," the president continued. "And then sometimes, there are days like this when that slow, steady effort is rewarded with justice that arrives like a thunderbolt."

Jim Obergefell, the plaintiff in the Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges, said, "Today, for the first time, any couple -- straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender -- may obtain a marriage license and make their commitments public and legal in all 50 states. America has taken one more step toward the promise of equality enshrined in our Constitution, and I'm humbled to be part of that."

The Supreme Court justices voting in favor of Obergefell were Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Soñia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Anthony Kennedy and Stephen Breyer. The justices in opposition were Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and John Roberts.

"No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family," wrote Kennedy in the ruling.

"In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were. It would misunderstand these men and women to say they disrespect the idea of marriage. Their plea is that they do respect it, respect it so deeply that they seek to find its fulfillment for themselves. ... They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right."

Marielena Hincapié, executive director of National Immigration Law Center, said the decision will be remembered for future generations and "affirming what Americans have come to understand: the freedom to marry is a precious, fundamental right that belongs to all of us."

"It's a proud day for our country, as this decision marks a victory for freedom, equality, inclusion, and love," Hincapié said. "As our country continues the long journey towards true and full equality for same-sex couples and other traditionally marginalized individuals and communities, this ruling is a strong reminder of the type of inclusion and equality we are capable of."

Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., also commended the 5-4 decision but acknowledged there are still LGBT individuals facing discrimination.

"The Supreme Court has ended one of the blatant forms of discrimination that keep loving families apart based solely on who they love and where they live," Menendez said. "This decision brings us closer to our nation's promise of equal rights for all, and this victory belongs to those who can now marry who they love across America."

The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC) President Rev. Samuel Rodriguez said the Supreme Court redefined marriage and "serves as a defacto and legal catalyst for the marginalization of Americans who embrace a biblical worldview."

Rodriguez reiterated his belief that marriage is a union between one man and one woman. At the same time, he said the Christian faith "reject and repudiate all vestiges of homophobia, intolerance and bigotry."

"Still, we affirm the Court's recognition to uphold proper protection of religious organizations and persons, under the First Amendment rights, as they seek to teach the principles that are so fulfilling and so central to their lives and faiths, and to their own deep aspirations to continue the family structure they have long revered," added Rodriguez.

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, one of over a dozen Republican presidential candidates, delivered a mixed statement criticizing the decision but called for the end of discrimination.

"Guided by my faith, I believe in traditional marriage. I believe the Supreme Court should have allowed the states to make this decision," Bush said in the statement. "I also believe that we should love our neighbor and respect others, including those making lifetime commitments."

Bush continued, "In a country as diverse as ours, good people who have opposing views should be able to live side by side. It is now crucial that as a country we protect religious freedom and the right of conscience and also not discriminate."

Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus said the Supreme Court failed to recognize the states' constitutional role in setting policies on marriage, and the federal government had no role in such decisions.

"As a Party, we believe in the importance of traditional marriage between a man and a woman and remain committed to finding common ground to champion the family's role in society," Priebus said. "Marriage is critically important to strengthening our country and our communities. Likewise, we will remain champions of religious liberty."

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