New Rochelle Reacts to Gay Marriage Rulings

Linda Barat had to wait a while to return a phone call asking for comment about the Supreme Court decision Wednesday overturning the Defense of Marriage Act.

"I'm a crier," the New Rochelle resident said. "When I heard, I just started crying. I just keep thinking of all my friends and how much it means to them."

What touched Barat so was the 5-4 decision announced by the Supreme Court that DOMA, the law that prevented the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages in states where they are legal, was unconstitutional, according to the Huffington Post.

Writing in the majority, Justice Anthony Kennedy said the federal statute was invalid, "for no legitimate purpose overcomes the purpose and effect to disparage and to injure those whom the state, by its marriage laws, sought to protect in personhood and dignity."

In a separate decision, the Supreme Court, again in a 5-4 vote, the justices "left for dead" California's same-sex marriage ban—Proposition 8—according to the Huffington Post.

At issue was whether the parties bringing the case to the Supreme Court to decide whether or not to uphold a lower court decision finding Prop 8 unconstitutional were the right people to do so.

The Huffington Post said the court found that the petitioners did not have sufficient standing to bring the case to the Supreme Court.

"We have never before upheld the standing of a private party to defend the constitutionality of a state statute when state officials have chosen not to," wrote Chief Justice John Roberts. "We decline to do so for the first time here."

Barat, whose son is gay, said the wait was long for the decision, but it was worth it.

"No matter what you think," she said, "it touches your heart. It has to."

Rabbi Scott Weiner of Temple Israel of New Rochelle said it was a great day for the Supreme Court as well as for freedom and equality in America.

"Our congregation has for years been at the forefront of advocacy for equal rights," he said. "This is an affirmation for us. The rest of the country is catching up with us finally."

New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson, who is running for Westchester County executive, called the decisions historic and that he was proud to support marriage equality.

"Here in our region, many families, friends and neighbors will benefit directly, as will countless others across the nation," he said. "At the same time, though, it is clear that there is still work to be done to achieve equal opportunity for all Americans."

New Rochelle resident Robin Freedman said there was a sea change going on in the country from which there is no turning back.

"For those who have something at stake, it's a feel-good moment where you can stand a little taller and feel better about who you are," she said.

Freedman said she applauds those who didn't have anything at stake in the fight for marriage equality and chose to support it.

"This is more affirmation as to how we are alike," she said.