ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - Same-sex marriage is now legal across the country. On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court lifted same-sex marriage bans across the country with a 5-4 vote.
From a legal standpoint, the ruling doesn't change much for couples in Virginia. The commonwealth legalized same-sex marriage in October 2014.
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But that didn't stop many people from celebrating a historic day.
"I actually called my boyfriend and asked him to marry me," said Roanoke resident Michael Smith. "It just felt right. It was the right thing to do."
Roanoke Pride President Jason Gilmore said the Supreme Court's decision is a symbol of equality and freedom throughout the country.
"It's more about the right to be able to marry than your own personal thing," Gilmore said. "This is huge for everybody in our community."
While some celebrated the ruling, others were disappointed.
"(The) government is playing God here," said Melvin Adams, the President and COO of Renewanation, a Troutville based organization promoting the Christian world view.
He said Friday's decision violates God's natural law.
"For our nation, for our culture, are we falling off the cliff? This is a major decision and we'll have to wait and see what the consequences are," Adams said.
Liberty Counsel founder and chairman Mat Staver had a similar reaction in a statement:
"The court can no more redefine marriage than it can redefine gravity. That five unelected justices in black robes call same sex unions 'marriage' does not change the fundamental nature of true, authentic and natural marriage."
The one change same-sex couples in Virginia will notice is marriages done in the commonwealth will now be recognized in all 50 states.