The US Supreme Court has ruled in favour of equal marriage in a historic decision that legalises the unions in all 50 states.
The court decided by 5-4 that the US constitution’s guarantees of equal protection under the law mean states cannot ban same-sex marriages.
Speaking from the White House Rose Garden, US President Barack Obama said the decision was a “thunderbolt”.
“This ruling is a victory for America,” he added.
“This decision affirms what millions of Americans already believe in their hearts: when all Americans are treated as equal, we are all more free.”
Hundreds of activists celebrated the decision outside court, chanting: “Love has won!”
Not long after the ruling was published, the White House was shown in Rainbow colours by way of celebrating the change.
