In a historic day, a federal judge in Indiana struck down the state’s ban on same-sex marriage, followed almost immediately by the first appellate level win since last year’s Windsor decision as the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court ruling that struck down Utah’s ban late last year.
“I remember like it was yesterday hearing the news that Judge Shelby had ruled in favor marriage equality and that the marriages could begin in Utah,” said Jolene Mewing, MEUSA Local Organizer – Salt Lake City. “Today I am feeling those same goosebumps all over again!”
“We had a marriage ceremony in Salt Lake City last December, but have waited until this summer for the actual wedding reception where our family and friends can pay witness to the love we share for each other,” said her wife and fellow organizer Colleen Mewing. “Today’s ruling is the best wedding gift ever!”
“June is LGBTQ Pride Month, and last year at almost this exact time we celebrated twin victories at the U.S. Supreme Court,” said Brian Silva, MEUSA Executive Director. “This year, as we prepare to mark that one year anniversary of the end of Proposition 8 and Section 3 of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, the 10th Circuit has completed a year of unbroken legal victories with a tremendous ruling in favor of love and marriage for all.”
Writing for the Indiana case, U.S. District Court Judge Richard L. Young ruled today that “The court has never witnessed a phenomenon throughout the federal court system as is presented with this issue. In less than a year, every federal district court to consider the issue has reached the same conclusion in thoughtful and thorough opinions – laws prohibiting the celebration and recognition of same-sex marriages are unconstitutional. It is clear that the fundamental right to marry shall not be deprived to some individuals based solely on the person they choose to love. In time, Americans will look at the marriage of couples such as Plaintiffs, and refer to it simply as a marriage – not a same-sex marriage. These couples, when gender and sexual orientation are taken away, are in all respects like the family down the street. The Constitution demands that we treat them as such.”
