The United States Supreme Court delivered the biggest ruling in favor of gay rights Friday, affirming the right of same-sex couples to marry in all 50 states.

The 5-4 landmark decision said the 14th amendment to the U.S. Constitution requires every state to license two people of the same-sex.

Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote the majority opinion, joined by Justices Stephen Breyer, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor.

“The Court now holds that same-sex couples may exercise the fundamental right to marry,” Kennedy wrote in the majority opinion. “No longer may this liberty be denied.”

“They asked for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The constitution grants them that right.”

The court’s conservative justices — Chief Justice John Roberts, Samuel Alito, Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas — dissented and wrote their own opinions.

“Many people will rejoice at this decision, and I begrudge none of their celebration,” Roberts wrote in his dissenting opinion. “But for those who believe in a government of laws, not of men, the majority’s approach is deeply disheartening.”

At the White House, President Obama made a statement before heading to Charleston to attend the funeral of a victim of the church massacre.

“Our nation was founded on a bedrock principle — that we are all created equal,” Obama said. “This ruling is a victory for America.”

“Progress on this journey often comes in small increments. Then sometimes there are days like this — when that slow steady effort is rewarded with justice that arrives like a thunderbolt.”

U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack, the lone Democrat in Iowa’s congressional delegation, said he is “so happy” that same-sex couples are “one step” closer to equality.

“Iowans are no strangers to being on the forefront of fighting for greater civil rights,” Loebsack said. “We have long strived for equality, whether it is based on race, gender or sexual orientation.”

“That is why I am thrilled that the Supreme Court today struck down state laws that discriminate against gay and lesbian couples, effectively legalizing marriage between two people of the same sex nationwide.”

U.S. Rep. Steve King, who represents Ames, said in a video statement that the court ruling was another example of “extreme judicial overreach.”

“It’s not the will of the people to have same-sex marriage,” King said. “If gay marriage is to be the policy of this land, that needs to be a decision by the people through their elected representatives, not by judicial fiat.”

Presidential candidates also weighed in quickly, with Democrats celebrating. Frontrunner Hillary Clinton said she was celebrating with millions of Americans.

“This ruling is an affirmation of the commitment of couples across the country who love one another,” Clinton said. “It reflects the will of the vast and growing multitude of Americans who believe that LGBT couples deserve to be recognized under the law and treated equally in the eyes of society.

Several Republican candidates put out statements blasting the ruling, while others said the decision should be respected.

“The Supreme Court has spoken with a very divided voice on something only the supreme being can do — redefine marriage,” said former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee. “I will not acquiesce to an imperial court any more than our founders acquiesced to an imperial British monarch. We must resist and reject judicial tyranny, not retreat.”

Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum said five unelected judges decided to redefine marriage without any public input.

“I call on the president and all governors to join me in reassuring millions of Americans that the government will not force them to participate in activities that violate their deeply held religious beliefs,” said Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush said while they believe in traditional marriage, the ruling should be respected. Both added that religious liberty should be protected.

Before the landmark ruling, 36 states and the District of Columbia allowed same-sex coupes to marry.