Congratulations to same-sex couples and the supporters of same-sex marriage. The death of Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and California’s Proposition 8 (Prop 8) is another step toward the fair rights of same-sex couples.

With DOMA gone, the federal government cannot treat American families differently, regardless if the family consists of a straight couple or a same-sex couple. Married same-sex couples now have the same financial and economic stability as straight couples.

Now tax breaks, joint filing and Social Security benefits will be available, along with hundreds of other benefits.

But these rights are only available for the couples whose home states are the 12 who have legalized same-sex marriage.

The Supreme Court of the United States’ decision was 5-4, ruling DOMA as unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause in the Fifth Amendment in the US Constitution.

The other part SCOTUS ruled against was Prop 8. The ban that stopped same-sex marriage in California was overturned by the Supreme Court, allowing same-sex couples to get married in California. While it has no influence to any other states, same-sex couples in California can be married.

While many obstacles stand in the way of equal rights for the LGBTQ community, many obstacles still stand in the way of making sure the individuals within this community are not considered to be second class citizens.

These obstacles include discrimination, equality and a lot of other issues preventing these people from living a good life. But while more issues stand in the way, DOMA and Prop 8 have been taken care of, showing it’s possible to hurl the issues standing in the way of preventing equal rights.

America is heading in the direction of accepting that different sexual orientation and gender identity is within the realm of being socially and legally acceptable.

By being more tolerant and understanding, the quality of life would improve for everyone, not just same-sex couples and those involved in the community, but the people around them.

We learn from each other. While it’s not expected to adapt a different lifestyle, it doesn’t hurt to see the world from someone else’s point of view.

Again, congratulations to those who the rulings affect the most — the couples, their supporters and to the future. We’ve taken one more step in the right direction.