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July 1, 2015 Vol. 8 No. 51
‘Like a Thunderbolt’ The White House is illuminated in rainbow colors after today’s historic Supreme Court ruling legalizing gay marriage in Washington June 26, 2015 (Reuters / Gary Cameron)
In a 5-4 decision, the US Supreme Court ruled the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. By Desert Star Staff Friday’s historic Supreme Court ruling granting samesex couples the right to marry across the United States arrived “like a thunderbolt,” President Barack Obama said, delighting progressive supporters but enraging conservative opponents. Following the Court’s 5-4 decision, President Obama said, “This ruling
is a victory for America.” “Progress on this journey often comes in small increments, sometimes two steps forward, one step back, propelled by the persistent effort of dedicated citizens. And then sometimes, there are days like this, when that slow, steady effort is rewarded with justice that arrives like a thunderbolt,” Obama said from the Rose Garden.
He added that the Supreme Court “reaffirmed that all Americans are entitled to equal protection of the law, that all people should be treated equally regardless of who they are or who they love.” Meanwhile, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton tweeted that she is “proud to celebrate a historic victory for marriage equality—&
By Desert Star Staff US federal authorities have issued a terror threat warning to local law enforcement officials nationwide for the July 4 holiday, according to an anonymous US official cited by local media. No specific or credible threat has yet been indicated, but intel gathered by the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI told local law enforcement authorities about threats from Islamic State and other terrorist groups, USA Today reported.
The warning comes days after three deadly attacks in Tunisia, France, and Kuwait, in which scores of civilians were killed. Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) has claimed responsibility for the three attacks. What has been dubbed “a day of terror” in the media followed IS calls for war on infidels. The terrorist group has urged attacks by “Muslims everywhere” during the holy month of Ramadan.
On Friday, commenting on the attacks, Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Jeh Johnson said local authorities were “vigilant and prepared’’ ahead of the celebrations on July 4. “We will also adjust security measures, seen and unseen, as necessary to protect the American people. We continue to encourage all Americans to attend public events and
FBI, Homeland Security issue Holiday terror threat Continues on Page 6
the courage & determination of LGBT Americans who made it possible.” Independent Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, also a Democratic candidate for president, said the court “fulfilled the words engraved upon its building: ‘Equal justice under law.’” Other Democratic candidates also weighed in: Outside of the Supreme
Court, activists and same-sex couples celebrated the decision once it was handed down. Under the ruling, couples around the US will be able to enter civil marriages regardless of their sexual orientation. Conservatives, however, reacted angrily, with nearly every Republican candidate Continues on Page 2