Supporters speak after Supreme Court gay marriage ruling

The Supreme Court’s decision against same-sex marriage bans has drawn a lot of support in Colorado Springs.

Dozens of LGBT supporters gathered at Poor Richard’s Downtown in Colorado Springs Friday afternoon to celebrate equality.

In a 5-4 ruling, the Supreme Court ruled that gay and lesbian couples have a constitutional right to marry across the country.

While that was already legal in the state of Colorado, supporters say the nationwide impact is historic.

“For people who are adults, and stable and prepared to make commitments it’s one thing. But It sends a deeper message across our whole country,” said Shawna Kamppainen, a Colorado Springs resident.

Many who came were couples who pushed for equal rights for decades. The executive director of Citizens Project, an equal rights nonprofit organization, told KRDO NewsChannel 13 the court’s ruling could lead to a shift in opinion.

“We’ve seen historically, that oftentimes, we have to have legal action and then society follows suit and acceptance follows after a legal mandate,” said Deb Walker, the executive director of Citizens Project.

Kamppainen and her partner, Lisa Green, already have a civil union but plan to get married next month. They believe the ruling will help the future generation.

“It means that people count, people count and love counts and families count and love counts,” Green said.