US: North Dakota couples ask judge to bypass trial in same-sex marriage lawsuit
Seven same-sex couples challenging North Dakota’s same-sex marriage ban are asking a judge to bypass a trial and issue an immediate ruling.
Minneapolis attorney Joshua Newville, who is representing the couples, filed a motion for summary judgment late Tuesday.
A move for summary judgment has been common in other states facing marriage equality lawsuits, including recent moves in Arizona and Arkansas.
Newville said to The Guardian: “We all agree that North Dakota denies loving, committed same-sex couples recognition of their marriages. That is not in dispute.
“This is a constitutional issue and North Dakota is in violation of the constitution by refusing to marry couples and to recognise marriages from other states and jurisdictions.”
