US: Wisconsin businesses begin to prepare for possibly gay marriage ban strike-down
As judges prepare to take on a case challenging Wisconsin’s ban on same-sex marriage, businesses in the state are also getting ready in anticipation.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) previously asked Judge Crabb to suspend the ban via a preliminary injunction as part of its legal challenge– a request she declined.
The ACLU filed the lawsuit in February on behalf of eight couples, stating that same-sex couples are denied equal treatment afforded to married couples under the law.
The Wisconsin Dells wedding chapel ‘Dells Bells’, is one of those preparing for the possible legalisation of same-sex marriage.
Similar businesses are expecting a surge of same-sex weddings, if a judge strikes down the ban.
“They’re eager to do it, so there is that, and then there is the fear of it not sticking. So those people will try to get in there and get marriage licenses and get it done as quickly as possible,” Dells Bells owner Tara Joles said.
The 10-year-old chapel has already performed over a hundred commitment ceremonies.
Free marriage licences will be available to same-sex couples, in celebration, Dells Bells owners said.
Some have taken the filing to mean that Attorney General JB Van Hollen expects Judge Barbara Crabb to strike down the ban.
