Today, Utah U.S. District Judge Robert Shelby ruled that the state’s ban on marriage equality is unconstitutional. In a 53-page decision, the court found that Utah’s marriage ban denies loving, committed lesbian and gay couples their “fundamental right to marry,” and that the ban lacks any “rational basis.”
“This has been a banner year for marriage equality across the nation, and 2013 is not over yet. Today’s ruling in Utah shows that the momentum for marriage equality is truly unstoppable. As we head towards 2014 we are seeing that every state has an equal opportunity to join the 17 plus marriage equality states … and counting!” said Stuart Gaffney, Marriage Equality USA’s Communications Director. “I am so excited right now, it is hard to form words!” exclaimed Marriage Equality USA local organizer Jolene Abbott. “My partner Colleen and I love each other dearly and want to get married as soon as possible. Our team has worked long and hard for this day to come in Utah.” “We are thrilled today for all the LGBT couples in Utah who may able to marry soon,” said Brian Silva, Marriage Equality USA executive director. “In that vein, we will continue our current campaigns in Indiana and other states to keep this momentum going in to 2014.”
Human Rights Campaign (HRC) President Chad Griffin issued the following statement in response to Judge Shelby’s ruling: “Like many judges before him, Judge Shelby recognized the fundamental equality of gay and lesbian couples guaranteed by the United States Constitution. Today, same-sex couples in Utah have renewed hope that they will soon be free to marry, and there is no legal or moral reason for the state to stand in their way.”
The Utah Attorney General has not yet indicated whether the state will appeal Judge Shelby’s decision.
