When the Supreme Court struck down the federal Defense of Marriage Act in June, it confirmed legally married same-sex couples should be entitled to the benefits shared by all married couples.
Although the Supreme Court afforded equal rights to gay and lesbian couples on the federal level, it left the issue to each individual state to determine the legality of marriage. Soon after the ruling came down, Alabama Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard (R-Auburn) issued this statement.
"The Supreme Court rulings on the federal Defense of Marriage Act and California's Proposition 8 do not in any way impact the gay marriage prohibition that Alabama voters overwhelmingly approved in 2006. As long as I am Speaker of the House, I will continue working to ensure that the laws on our books reflect the conservative principles and moral beliefs that the majority of Alabamians embrace."
Darcy Corbitt, Director of Social Affairs for Spectrum, Auburn University's Gay-Straight Alliance, said while Alabamians won't be affected by the ruling, it was still a monumental victory for the LGBT community.
"The ruling doesn't really do anything for the LGBT community in Alabama, but it stands as a monument to the fact that our country is moving in the right direction," Corbitt said. "This specific ruling is just a spark that will light a bunch of other flames around the country. It's always encouraging just knowing that we're starting to win some small battles."
Corbitt added that she respects the opinion of conservatives like Hubbard, but she doesn't think they have a right to push their philosophy on other people.
"Our country is not a monument to religious idealism, but rather the remarkable idea that millions can live together with different ideas and different opinions, and practice them openly without fear of persecution," Corbitt said.
Not all conservatives were opposed to the federal ruling, especially among young people. According to Washington Post-ABC News poll released in March, 81 percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 believe gay marriage should be legal.
Danielle Wall, chairwoman of the Auburn University College Republicans, was pleased with the Supreme Court's decision.
"On a personal level, I was thrilled. I, like most people my age, know someone- friend or family- that is gay, and I couldn't fathom denying them the rights that other married people enjoy," Wall said. "I believe in the rights of all, and I find discrimination on any level despicable. I would say that most young people were happy that the Supreme Court gave the states the right to decide."
An openly-gay student who wished to remain anonymous said he didn't believe the differences between same-sex couples and heterosexual couples are as vast as many may think. He simply wants to enjoy the benefits his fellow citizens receive.
"Contrary to stereotypical opinions (about) gays and lesbians, I share many of the same values as the majority of the state's residents," he said. "This may seem cliche to say so, but if we share so much in common, then why can we not all be treated equally?"
Though he acknowledged the Supreme Court's ruling will have no immediate effect on same-sex couples in Alabama, he said this decision "marked a huge step forward for the equality movement in this country.
"The LGBT community needs to simply keep fighting the good fight and not get discouraged," he said. "Even though overwhelming change may not occur tomorrow, next week or even in the next few years, this should not take away any of our happiness. The love same-sex couples have for one another will be there whether or not Alabama issues them a marriage certificate."
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