In what is seen as a major victory for the gay-rights movement, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled the federal government may not restrict the definition of marriage to opposite-sex couples.
US Supreme Court Rules on Gay Marriage

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Michael Knaapen, left, and his husband John Becker, right, embrace outside the Supreme Court in Washington, June 26, 2013, after the court cleared the way for same-sex marriage in California.

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Journalists stake out positions early in the morning to report on decisions expected in two cases regarding same-sex marriage at the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, June 26, 2013.

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Vin Testa from Washington, waves the rainbow flag in support of gay marriage in front of the Supreme Court in Washington, June 24, 2013.

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People wait outside the Supreme Court in Washington as key decisions are expected to be announced.