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Washington State Reacts To Supreme Court Rulings On Gay Marriage

AP Photo/Charles Dharapak

 The United States Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act today, allowing gay couples access to federal benefits. It also decided on another gay marriage case concerning California’s Proposition 8, effectively clearing the way for gay marriage in California. The LGBT community calls these rulings a victory for gay rights.

But Washington state legalized gay marriage back in December. So what do these Supreme Court rulings actually mean for LGBT couples here in Washington? Peter Nicolas, a law professor at the University of Washington and author of "The Geography of Love: Same Sex Marriage Recognition in America (The Story in Maps)” helps us break down the Supreme Court decisions. Christopher Plante, regional director of the National Organization for Marriage, also joins Ross Reynolds to explain why his organization condemns the verdicts. Ross also talks to callers about their reaction to the news.