The first same-sex marriages took place in the state of Florida today in Miami Dade County after a judge lifted a stay on a earlier decision, declaring a same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional. Along with being able to marry, the ruling also means that those married in other states will have their marriage recognized.

“Well, obviously I’m gay so I think it’s good because it lets people like us marry people that we like. We’re not restrained from marrying people that we like,” said Destin Ramirez (’16) of the decision.

Same sex-marriage is now recognized in 36 states and the District of Columbia. Like Florida, many of these states decided a complete ban on same-sex marriages went against the rights of equal treatment and due process.

“I am very supportive of everyone being able to have a chance of happiness with whomever they choose. In this case legally. I live on a street where every house except one has a gay couple living there,” said Sophie DeAnnuntis (’17).”Why shouldn’t their love for one another be recognized legally? Actually, my next door neighbors traveled to get a marriage license in another state a few months back. It was a complicated process for them. Now it will be a simpler process for future same sex couples.”

Pam Bondi, Florida’s Attorney General, issued a statement saying that her office had filed a “legal brief” in defense of Florida’s 2008 amendment that defines marriage as the union between a man and a woman. Bondi cited the voter’s right to decide as reason for filing the suit.