James Obergefell, lead plaintiff in the Supreme Court case that legalized gay marriage in all 50 states, was sitting in the courtroom wiping away tears when Justice Anthony Kennedy read his majority opinion.

Moments later he was standing outside beaming, celebrating his history-making victory.

“My late husband, John [Arthur], and I were together for almost 21 years before he passed away from complications of ALS. I’m here today because my home state fought the recognition of my marriage to John,” the Ohio native said.

“No American should have to suffer that indignity. That’s why John and I, and the 30 plaintiffs in this lawsuit, decided to fight. I know in my heart that John is with me today,” he said.

“Today’s ruling from the Supreme Court affirms what millions across this country already know to be true in our hearts. Our love is equal. That the four words etched onto the front of the Supreme Court, ‘equal justice under law,’ applied to us, too,” Obergefell declared.

President Obama — who didn’t announce his support for gay marriage until 2012 — placed a congratulatory phone call to Obergefell, which he took on speakerphone amid the throng of reporters and supporters outside the courthouse.