Say Good-Bye To Idaho's Gay Marriage Ban
Idaho's gay marriage ban, like same-sex marriage bans in several other states, has been ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge.
The Idaho Statesman just reported that Judge Candy Dale issued a 57-page ruling, saying, in part:
Idaho's Marriage Laws deny its gay and lesbian citizens the fundamental right to marry and relegate their families to a stigmatized, second-class status without sufficient reason for doing so. These laws do not withstand any applicable level of constitutional scrutiny.
The lawsuit challenging Idaho's law was brought by two same-sex couples who wanted to marry and two same-sex couples married in other states who wanted their marriages recognized in Idaho.
Idaho governor C.L. "Butch" Otter (yes, the governor of a state prefers to be called "Butch") responded to the ruling by promising to fight for the rights of Idaho's homophobes:
In 2006, the people of Idaho exercised their fundamental right, reaffirming that marriage is the union of a man and a woman. Today’s decision, while disappointing, is a small setback in a long-term battle that will end at the U.S. Supreme Court. I am firmly committed to upholding the will of the people and defending our Constitution.
This doesn't mean Idaho's same-sex couples can get married just yet, however. Otter has requested a stay of the judge's ruling, which is still being decided. If not, gays will be allowed to marry as of 9 a.m. Friday.
This article was originally published at http://www.thewire.com/national/2014/05/say-good-bye-to-idahos-gay-marriage-ban/370829/
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