US: A third Florida county rules the state’s same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional
A third Florida circuit court judge ruled on Monday that the state’s same-sex marriage ban is unconstitutional.
Broward County Judge Dale Cohen issued the ruling, stating that state laws barring same-sex marriage and the recognition of same-sex marriages performed out of state violate the US Constitution, according to The Miami Herald.
Cohen issued an immediate stay on his ruling pending a state appeal.
Nadine Smith, CEO of Equality Florida, said in a statement: “Every win in court brings us closer than we’ve ever been to the freedom to marry in Florida.
“We look forward to the day when all loving, committed couples and their families enjoy the same protections, opportunities and responsibilities of marriage under the law.
“Every passing day inflicts real hardships on families who are denied the legal protection and dignity that marriage equality provides.”
A Florida Keys judge ruled in favour of same-sex marriage on 17 July.
A Miami-Dade County judge overturned Florida’s ban on same-sex marriage on 26 July.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has appealed both rulings, and is expected to appeal Broward County’s ruling.
