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In a landmark decision, the Nevada Supreme Court has ruled that a controversial constitutional amendment passed by voters in 2022 is unconstitutional. The amendment, known as "The Protection of Marriage Act", sought to define marriage as solely between a man and a woman, effectively banning same-sex marriage in the state. The court's decision, handed down on Friday, December 18, 2025, declared the amendment to be in violation of the Nevada Constitution's equal protection clause, which guarantees all citizens the right to equal protection under the law. The ruling comes after years of legal challenges and public outcry against the discriminatory nature of the amendment.In a 6-1 decision, the court concluded that the amendment "undermined the fundamental principle of equal protection and denied same-sex couples the same rights and privileges as opposite-sex couples." The justices cited recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions, such as Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, as precedent for their decision.Advocates for LGBTQ rights celebrated the ruling as a major victory for equality in Nevada. "This decision reaffirms that love is love, and that all couples, regardless of gender, deserve the same rights and protections under the law," said Sarah Brown, spokesperson for Equality Nevada.The decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for same-sex couples in Nevada, who have long been denied the right to marry due to the discriminatory amendment. Legal experts and advocates predict that the ruling will pave the way for same-sex couples to finally be able to marry and enjoy the same legal protections and benefits as opposite-sex couples in the state.The court's decision marks a significant turning point for LGBTQ rights in Nevada and sends a powerful message that discrimination in any form will not be tolerated. As the state continues to strive for equality and justice for all its residents, the ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the principles of equal protection and fairness in constitutional law.