wjhl
JOHNSON CITY, TN (WJHL) –Same-sex marriage is an issue many states have taken on in recent months, but now the hot-button issue will be taken up in the highest court in the land.
It was just announced Friday the Supreme Court will be deciding whether same-sex couples have the right to marry everywhere in the U.S. under the constitution.
Just days after that announcement, we found Kenn Lyon and John Baker were still letting that news sink in.
« Isn’t that exciting, by June, by the time Blue Plum happens, we could have same sex legislation in place for the United States, » said Lyon.
Both are associated with a local organization called Pride Community Center of the Tri-Cities, which in part works to raise awareness about same-sex equality.
Lyon tells us bottom line, the issue of fair and equal marriage is about just that, being fair and equal to all.
« Yes, if I do, I would want to be able to marry in the state that I’m living in, so ya, I would get married here in Tennessee, » said Lyon.
Even though we are months away from a decision, Kenn and John say the announcement alone is progress.
« This is one big step, and like John was saying, it allows us to open doors and move forward as far as addressing discrimination that still exists, » said Lyon.
We also spoke to Beth Sluder, a spokesperson for PFLAG Tri-Cities. It is another organization in the area that looks to bring support and advocacy for the LGBT community.
« I think its time, » said Sluder.
As we were talking, Sluder reflected back to her own wedding day, and says it’s a moment she wants everyone to be able to experience for themselves.
« I want them to experience that friends and family, and everyone around them that feeling of warmth and happiness, that they are accepted, » said Sluder.
It is a day both organizations are sure is right around the corner.
« Were going to focus on having it happen and manifesting that, and believing that the Supreme Court will rule in favor of marriage equality of the entire country, » said Lyon.
A decision from the Supreme Court is expected in June.
At this time Tennessee continues to uphold a ban on gay and lesbian marriages in accordance with a 2006 amendment to the state constitution which defines marriage as a marital contract between one man and one woman.