TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)-- Many same sex couples across the country celebrated today after the Supreme Court reverses a national ban on same-sex marriages.
The decision sparked both positive and negative reaction on social media, as well as, motivation for members of the LGBTQ community to continue fighting for equality and justice.
The Supreme Court calls for an end to nationwide bans on same sex marriages, but members of the faith based community say the ruling is just another bad decision by the Supreme Court.
"Redefining marriage across society is bound to have negative effects on the common good and the most vulnerable in society especially children. This is another bad decision..now we may have to deal with confused understanding of what it means to be married and what it means to be the basic cell of our society.. Family, " said Michael Sheedy, Executive Director of the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops.
For some same sex couples, the Supreme Court's decision is both monumental and a step in the right direction, but they say there's still work to be done before there's full equality for same sex couples, starting with discrimination in the workplace.
James Brenner and his husband Charles Jones spearheaded the movement for same-sex marriage legalization in Florida after being married in Canada in 2009. Brenner says all issues haven't been addressed yet.
"You know the line from Macklemore song where he says a certificate on paper isn't going to solve it all, but it's a damn good place to start... And I say that sums it up..you can get married today and fired tomorrow...so there's still work to do," said James Brenner.
Another area, members of the LGBTQ want addressed is protection for transgenders.
"Well while i'm happy that people can marry whoever they love there are many larger issues in the LGBTQIA plus community that we need to address. Such as the fact that transgender women of color are being murdered in the US and we continue to see problems like homelessness, unemployment, and lack of access to critical care as well as being mis-gendered in prison cells," said Shivanni Ehsaan, lead organizers of the Transgender Liberation Front.
Just recently, a bill that would prevent transgender Floridians from using the bathroom of their choice died in the Judiciary Committee of the House after passing through a second house committee in March.
