Arkansas Judge Strikes Down State Ban on Same-sex Marriage
An Arkansas state judge struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriage on Friday saying it violates equal protection provisions of the U.S. Constitution, with the ruling adding to the momentum of expanding marriage rights for same-sex couples.
"Arkansas's marriage laws discriminate against same-sex couples in violation of the Equal Protection Clause because they do not advance any conceivable legitimate state interest necessary to support even a rational basis review," Pulaski County Circuit Judge Chris Piazza wrote in a 13-page finding filed on Friday.
The judge did not issue a stay of the decision, opening the door for same-sex couples to apply for marriage licenses.
"I'm thrilled. It's long overdue and I'm just real proud of Arkansas. And I hope there's no backlash on it." said John Rankine, 59, an artist from Eureka Springs who was a plaintiff in the suit.
The ban, approved overwhelmingly by Arkansas voters in 2004 as Amendment 83 to the state constitution, defined marriage as solely between a man and a woman. It also denies legal recognition of same-sex marriages performed legally in other states.
Seventeen states plus the District of Columbia allow same-sex couples to marry. That number would increase sharply if federal court rulings striking down bans in several states are upheld on appeal. (Reporting by Steve Barnes; Writing by Jon Herskovitz; Editing by Cynthia Johnston and Chris Reese)
© 2014 Thomson/Reuters. All rights reserved.
Read Latest Breaking News from Newsmax.com http://www.newsmax.com/US/Arkansas-gay-marriage/2014/05/09/id/570587#ixzz31cK3DAvI
My comments: This Arkansas Judge can play God, but what will he and the nation do in the End? In the End, it will not be so "thrilling." This Judge and everyone supporting this abomination before the Living God, will pay an Eternal Price!
An Arkansas state judge struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriage on Friday saying it violates equal protection provisions of the U.S. Constitution, with the ruling adding to the momentum of expanding marriage rights for same-sex couples.
"Arkansas's marriage laws discriminate against same-sex couples in violation of the Equal Protection Clause because they do not advance any conceivable legitimate state interest necessary to support even a rational basis review," Pulaski County Circuit Judge Chris Piazza wrote in a 13-page finding filed on Friday.
The judge did not issue a stay of the decision, opening the door for same-sex couples to apply for marriage licenses.
"I'm thrilled. It's long overdue and I'm just real proud of Arkansas. And I hope there's no backlash on it." said John Rankine, 59, an artist from Eureka Springs who was a plaintiff in the suit.
The ban, approved overwhelmingly by Arkansas voters in 2004 as Amendment 83 to the state constitution, defined marriage as solely between a man and a woman. It also denies legal recognition of same-sex marriages performed legally in other states.
Seventeen states plus the District of Columbia allow same-sex couples to marry. That number would increase sharply if federal court rulings striking down bans in several states are upheld on appeal. (Reporting by Steve Barnes; Writing by Jon Herskovitz; Editing by Cynthia Johnston and Chris Reese)
© 2014 Thomson/Reuters. All rights reserved.
Read Latest Breaking News from Newsmax.com http://www.newsmax.com/US/Arkansas-gay-marriage/2014/05/09/id/570587#ixzz31cK3DAvI
My comments: This Arkansas Judge can play God, but what will he and the nation do in the End? In the End, it will not be so "thrilling." This Judge and everyone supporting this abomination before the Living God, will pay an Eternal Price!
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