Utah Ban On Same-Sex Marriage Struck Down; Federal Judge Says Banning Is Unconstitutiona
"The state's current laws deny its gay and lesbian citizens their fundamental right to marry and, in doing so, demean the dignity of these same sex couples for no rational reason. Accordingly, the court finds that these laws are unconstitutional." - this is what U.S. District Judge Robert Shelby findings are regarding a lawsuit filed by three gay couples against Utah, thus, forcing the Salt Lake County clerk to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker also began officiating at the state's first gay weddings moments after the ruling was released.
"There is a variety of responses going on in Utah, but the mayor, who is very progressive, is all about equal access and equal rights," said the mayor's spokesman, Art Raymond.
The gay-marriage ban was upheld by the state in 2004 after majority of the people voted against same-sex marriage. However, according to Shelby's 53-page ruling, the ban violates the 14th Amendment to the Constitution which promotes the federal right of gay and lesbian couples to due process and equal protection. The judge also insisted that there's no evidence proving that allowing same-sex marriages would negatively affect normal for of marriages.
While there is a huge festive around the state regarding the same-sex marriage ban lifting, the state's attorneys said that they will make an appeal. Utah officials said that it is not the US District's office role to tell what the state needs to do when it comes to such issues.
"We are asking for a stay and will appeal the ruling," said Ryan Bruckman, a spokesman for the state attorney general's office.
Groups and people who are supporting the three gay couples who filed the case rejoiced over the US District decision.
In a statement, the plaintiffs' attorneys Peggy A. Tomsic and James E. Magleby, said that the decision will bring "marriage equality to Utah, not only for the plaintiffs, but all other same-sex couples residing in Utah who desire to marry or have their legal marriage from another state recognized in Utah."
