ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- In a landmark victory for LGBTQ rights, the United States Supreme Court on Friday ruled that same-sex marriage is constitutional.
In the 5-4 decision, the court declared that same-sex couples have the right to marry everywhere in the country. Gay marriage bans in 14 states will have to be overturned. Gay marriage has been legal in New York state since July 2011.
At a symbolic ceremony outside City Hall, Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren said this a great day for our country. She said America was founded on equal justice for all and this ruling shows the nation embraces people from all walks of life.
As a sign of solidarity with the LGBT community, Warren and City Councilman Matt Haag helped raised the rainbow flag outside City Hall. The mayor says the flag represents the fight of the LGBT community for the right to marry and flying it at City Hall shows the city supports the movement.
"Citizens of Rochester and the Rochester community have a long history of being at the forefront of social movements and social justice. That's part of our history and we wanted to make sure we commemorate it today with the support of our partners in government and LBGT community," said Warren, D-Rochester.
Haag, who is openly gay, said the Supreme Court's ruling is an important statement for our country, and the raising of the rainbow flag an important statement for the city.
"In a week where we've been talking about a flag that has meant division and racism and a history of hatred, today the city raises a flag above City Hall that stands for unity, for love, for respect, for equality and for fairness," said Haag, D.
A city spokesman says the rainbow flag will continue to fly outside City Hall for the next week.