Jon Downing shed tears of joy when he learned Wednesday that the Supreme Court had overturned the Defense of Marriage Act, declaring it unconstitutional.

"I can remember reading the decision on the Supreme Court's website and literally crying at my desk," said the openly gay Coeur d'Alene resident. "This is an overwhelming achievement for human rights."

The Supreme Court's decision struck down a federal law that denied federal benefits to gay couples married under state laws.

Downing, 30, said the decision made him feel "ecstatic, overjoyed and hopeful for the future of citizens here in Idaho." He is a human rights activist and has been the adviser of North Idaho College's Gender and Sexuality Alliance since 2010. The organization's mission is to "promote a positive and supportive environment for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex questioning and straight people as well as those who support them."

Patrick Jacobs, 41, of Coeur d'Alene, is another member of the gay community who is pleased with the ruling. Jacobs said he thinks it's a step in the direction of full equality.

"I think that the fact that the SCOTUS ruled to end DOMA was inevitable and that they are on the right side of history with this decision," Jacobs told The Press. "Over time, the fears and misconceptions that many people still carry regarding gay marriage will fade away, once they realize that gay couples lead boring, normal lives just like everyone else and that heterosexual marriage wasn't affected in the slightest. I'm elated that the many happily married gay couples I have the pleasure to know will finally be able to have their unions recognized nationwide."