*** US Supreme Court declares gay marriage legal throughout the country | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

US Supreme Court declares gay marriage legal throughout the country

Washington

The US Supreme Court made same-sex marriage legal throughout the nation today in a much-awaited landmark decision that triggered wild scenes of jubilation and tears of joy.

In a 5-4 ruling, the highest court in the United States said the Constitution requires all 50 states to carry out and recognize marriage between people of the same sex.

President Barack Obama, in heartfelt remarks, praised the ruling as "a victory for America," in a fresh coup for the White House a day after the Supreme Court upheld a disputed section of his signature health care reform.

"Today we can say in no uncertain terms that we've made our union a little more perfect," he said at the White House, which changed its Twitter avatar to the rainbow colors of the growing gay rights movement.

"This decision affirms what millions of Americans already believe in their hearts -- when all Americans are treated as equal, we are all more free."

Flag-waving LGBT rights advocates on the packed Supreme Court forecourt -- some in tears -- cheered, danced and sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" in celebration.