BREAKING NEWS 2013: Federal judge declares Utah’s same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional
Photo posted on Equality Utah’s Facebook page on Dec. 20.
Today, a federal judge ruled that Utah’s same-sex marriage ban is unconstitutional.
A 53-page ruling was issued by U.S. District Judge Robert J. Shelby on Dec. 20 stating that the law passed by Utah voters in 2004 is in violation of the rights of gay and lesbian couples to receive due process and equal protection under the 14th Amendment.
Attorneys representing the state of Utah argue that the state’s law promotes Utah’s interest in “responsible procreation” and the “optimal mode of child-rearing.” Shelby contests the state has failed to demonstrate that the allowance of same-sex marriages would have any impact on marriages between opposite genders and that the state’s fears and speculations are not sufficient justification for denying allowance of same-sex marriages.
This ruling resulted from a lawsuit that was brought against the state by three gay and lesbian couples living in Utah.
Equality Utah, a Utah gay rights group with a strong presence in Southern Utah, posted this message on their Facebook page in response to the news: “Love Conquers all! Even in Utah. Great news today for loving committed couples in our state.”
“Marriage is about committed couples who want to take responsibility for each other and who want to make a lifelong promise to take care of each other, in sickness and in health. Thank you Judge Shelby for striking down Utah’s Amendment 3.”
Stay tuned to The Independent for more on this story as information becomes available.
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