By: Mayah Cantave

The fight for same-sex marriage is almost at an end as the U.S. Supreme Court is paves the way for same-sex marriages in five more states.

Technically, the Supreme Court did not establish a constitutional right for same-sex marriage, but rather deny hearing cases. The Supreme Court denied petitions to hear cases in Indiana, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin, who seek to keep same-sex marriage bans in those states.

The decision to not hear cases grants access for immediate same-sex marriage.

Same-sex marriage is now legal in the following 29 states and the District of Columbia: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Equality cannot be provided under “separate but equal.” Civil unions do not equate to marriage.

Marriage equality is important in the United States. Homosexuals should be allowed access to the same benefits that heterosexuals have access to.

The LGBTQ (Lesbians, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning) should be allowed to celebrate their commitment.

Same-sex marriage can be beneficial to all and can provide economic and business opportunities.

The LBGTQ is one step closer to justice and equality in the United States.