This post was written by Hatchet reporter Andrew Goudsward.
Members of Allied in Pride and GW College Democrats were among the hundreds of flag-waving, rainbow-clad demonstrators who rallied for marriage equality on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court Tuesday while Supreme Court justices heard arguments in a case to expand same-sex marriage rights.
The Supreme Court heard arguments for four cases consolidated under Obergefell v. Hodges to determine if states have a constitutional requirement to recognize same-sex marriage and if states where same-sex marriage is illegal must recognize same-sex marriages that were performed in other states.
The Supreme Court’s decision could potentially legalize same-sex marriage nationwide. The case combines challenges to four same-sex marriage bans in Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee and Michigan, the New York Times reported.
Allied in Pride President Robert Todaro said the rally was a perfect way for students to show their support of gay marriage.
“Today is an amazing today,” Todaro said. “To see such a large outpouring of love and support for the LGBTQ community is really heartwarming.”
Todaro held a sign that said “Swipe Right, SCOTUS,” a reference to the popular dating app Tinder.
The vast majority of the crowd was in support of same-sex marriage. Attendees held colorful signs, with sayings like “America is ready” and “SCOTUS is for lovers.” Many demonstrators also waved large flags emblazoned with an equal sign, one of the symbols of the marriage equality movement.
A small number of protesters against same-sex marriage also gathered. They carried large black and red banners that read “America must bless God” and yelled that homosexuality is sinful.
Todaro said he wasn’t bothered by the opposing demonstrators and was confident that the Supreme Court would rule in favor of recognizing same-sex marriage.
“This is such a non-issue for our generation and I think that SCOTUS is going to be on the right side of history,” he said.
Junior Eric Wolfert, who came to the rally with GW’s College Democrats, said everyone should be able to to take part in “love and marriage,” and said the Supreme Court’s decision could make marriage equality “a reality for all couples, no matter what state they live in.”
“Love is the most wonderful thing in the world,” he said. “And we should always celebrate it.”
Best of luck to all of the plaintiffs in the #SCOTUS marriage equality case, Obergefell v. Hodges! Thank you for your bravery #LoveCantWait
— Allied in Pride (@alliedinpride) April 28, 2015
