UN chief hails US ruling on same-sex marriage

"The secretary-general welcomes the decision of the Supreme Court that paves the way for gay and lesbian Americans to have their relationships legally recognized, no matter what part of the country they live in," deputy UN spokesman Farhan Haq said at a daily news briefing here. "The secretary-general called it a great step forward for human rights," Haq said, adding "He is a strong believer in equality and in the equal worth and dignity of LGBT people." LGBT stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. "Denying couples legal recognition of their relationship opens the door to widespread discrimination," Haq said.

"This ruling will help close that door and marks a great step forward for human rights in the United States. The secretary-general joins the LGBT community and its millions of allies in celebrating this historic decision." The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday ruled 5-4 that same-sex marriage is a legal right across the United States. It means the 14 states with bans on same-sex marriage will no longer be able to enforce them. The ruling brings to an end more than a decade of bitter legal battles.