` ` Our country has evolved as a beacon of liberty , '' he writes . ` ` It is time to let that beacon of freedom shine down on all our brothers and sisters '' Several states and the District of Columbia already allow same - sex marriages . Just a year ago , there were two .
`` Our country has evolved as a beacon of liberty , '' judge writes . `` It is time to let that beacon of freedom shine brighter on all our brothers and sisters '' Seventeen states and the District of Columbia already allow same-sex marriage . Just a decade ago , there were none .