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In a landmark decision that changes the course of events in the United States, the Supreme Court vote 5 to 4 to recognize same sex marriages across the nation.

In the majority opinion, Justice Anthony M. Kennedy wrote, “They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right.”

While same-sex marriages are constitutional right in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey, same sex families across the nation join in national recognition of their unions.

“No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family,” wrote Kennedy. “In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were.”

The decision comes just three days after the historic Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village became an official landmark.

The Stonewall Inn catapulted gay rights activism after its June 28, 1969 raid. Each year, gay pride parades and events commemorate the birthplace of the global movement for equality.

In his address to the nation, President Barack Obama said this is a victory for the nation that “made our union a little more perfect.”

“An entire country realized that love is love,” Obama said. “What an extraordinary achievement, but what a vindication on the belief that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.”

Same sex marriages have been recognized since October 2013 in Asbury Park. Councilwoman Amy Quinn and her spouse Heather Jensen [shown above] were among the first couples to be remarried one minute after the ruling went into effect.

“We are ecstatic that the Supreme Court ruled in favor of marriage equality,” Quinn said. “We have been civil unioned, domestic partners and married in the state of New Jersey but now we will be able to raise a child who live in the United States without having to worry about discrimination.”

Quinn and Jensen are expecting the birth of their first child in early October.

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