US: Florida Attorney General files appeal to halt pro-same-sex marriage ruling
The Attorney General in the US state of Florida Pam Bondi, has filed an appeal against a judge’s ruling to allow same-sex couples to marry in one County.
The couples argued that while they were banned from marrying, they were considered second class citizens.
Judge Garcia’s ruling only applied to Monroe County, which includes the Florida Keys.
Bondi’s appela has put on hold the ruling, which had intended to allow same-sex couples to marry as of Tuesday.
“With many similar cases pending throughout the entire county, finality on this constitutional issue must come from the US Supreme Court,” Bondi said.
Democratic Governor candidate Charlie Crist, tweeted after the ruling, saying: “This is a great step toward equality in Florida #LoveisLove.”
Florida’s same-sex marriage ban was approved by voters in 2008, but the lawsuit argues that it violates same-sex couples’ guarantee of equal protection under the law, as dictated by the US Constitution.
Attorney general Pam Bondi, and supporters of the ban, argued that the amendment should be respected, because it was voter approved. Bondi argued that the state has the authority to define marriage there.
