Miami

So. Fla. Celebrates Supreme Court's Landmark Ruling on Gay Marriage

Many in South Florida are celebrating the U.S. Supreme Court's monumental decision on same-sex marriage. Friday's SCOTUS ruling confirmed what millions have been fighting decades for.

In a split 5-4 ruling, the Supreme Court said everybody has the right to marry in all 50 states.

On the steps of the Supreme Court there were cheers, passion and excitement. It's the decision the LGBT community has been waiting for. And Collin Cozad from Miami was there for this moment in history.

"I just think that gay rights and all LGBT issues should be everyone's concern as long as there's no equality and we should all strive to achieve it," Cozad said.

Gay couples across South Florida shared the same sentiment, saying they are relieved that the constitution is finally on their side.

For many couples celebrating in Miami, they grew up never believing they could get married. Same-sex marriage has been legally recognized in Florida since January 6, 2015. Some of the couples who are already married said the Supreme Court's ruling only dignifies their relationships.

"Finally it's over, all 50 states now have the same laws, there's no patchwork of laws in different states," said Karla Arguello. She and her partner Cathy Pareto were the first to receive a same sex marriage license in Florida. They have one child and twins are on the way.

In Broward County, a celebration was held at the Federal courthouse. Flags and symbols and pride decorated the sidewalk in front of the courthouse Friday. Members of Broward's LGBT community joined with county leaders in a rally organized by Equality Florida. The organization's deputy director said coming together in this way is a way to mark a significant change that will go down in history.

"This is a day of huge celebration. A complete and total victory .... Everything we hoped for,"said Stratton Pollitzer, Deputy Director, Equality Florida. "Maybe the most significant legal victory in the LGBT civil rights movement of all time today."

People at the rally said marriage equality is about so much more than the right to marry who you love. They say it's about progress in a fight for total equity. That is something a lot of people in the LGBT community say still needs to be achieved.

"You know like everyone here I'm elated... It was a little emotional to watch the decision come down this morning on my couch with my husband," Pollitzer said.

Leaders from Wilton Manors, which has a huge LGBT population, joined the rally.

"We have a proud history of celebrating marriage equality for everyone," said Wilton Manors Commissioner Justin Flippen.

"We are a progressive county and a compassionate county... I can tell you from representing the county a vast majority of the people believe in marriage equality," said Broward County Vice Mayor and District 1 Commissioner, Martin Kiar.

Some say the fight was long but clearly well worth it especially for those who put their heart and soul into the push for marriage equality.

"I think it's important that Florida dismantled its own marriage ban six months ago. We played a critical role in this narrative," Pollitzer said.

The celebration continued into the night at Rumors Bar in Wilton Manors.

"It is a great thing... I thought I'd never see it in my lifetime and I'm 70 years old," said John King.

And for some, the joy of this new day brings back memories.

"I basically left the U.S. 25 years ago because I was rejected by my culture, my family and my parents. I went to Europe. I was living in Spain where I had total freedom," said Ernest Mosquera.

Dan Betustak and his husband joined the celebration in honor of all their friends across America who can can now get married.

"We've been together for 39 years and just over a year ago we married," Betustak said. "It's great to finally be here and have an opportunity to celebrate the moment and enjoy it with the community."

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