In a historic ruling, the Minnesota Supreme Court today unanimously declared that the state's ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, marking a major victory for proponents of marriage equality. The decision, handed down on February 23, 2026, brings an end to a long legal battle that has spanned several years and has been closely watched by advocates on both sides of the issue.The case, known as Johnson v. Minnesota, centered on the constitutionality of a state law passed in 2012 that defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman. The plaintiffs in the case, a same-sex couple who have been together for over 20 years, argued that the law discriminated against them on the basis of their sexual orientation and violated their rights under the Minnesota Constitution.In its ruling, the Supreme Court agreed with the plaintiffs, finding that the state's ban on same-sex marriage was a violation of the equal protection and due process clauses of the Minnesota Constitution. The court held that all Minnesotans have a fundamental right to marry the person of their choosing, regardless of gender, and that the state's prohibition on same-sex marriage unjustly infringed upon that right.Chief Justice Rebecca Johnson, writing for the majority, stated, "The right to marry is a fundamental human right that is guaranteed to all individuals under the Minnesota Constitution. To deny same-sex couples the ability to marry is to deny them equal protection under the law and to stigmatize their relationships as inferior. Such discrimination has no place in our society."The ruling was met with cheers and tears of joy from supporters of marriage equality gathered outside the courthouse. Among them was the plaintiff in the case, Sarah Johnson, who embraced her partner of over two decades, Emily Ramirez, as they celebrated the landmark decision."This is a momentous day for all couples in Minnesota who have been denied the right to marry the person they love," said Sarah Johnson. "We are thrilled that the Supreme Court has affirmed that our love is equal in the eyes of the law."The decision makes Minnesota the 30th state in the nation to legalize same-sex marriage, joining a growing number of states that have recognized the rights of LGBTQ individuals to marry. It also represents a significant milestone in the fight for equality and civil rights for all Americans.As news of the ruling spread, celebrations erupted in cities and towns across the state, with same-sex