Judge prepares to hear arguments in challenge to Missouri gay marriage ban
A judge in Kansas City is set to hear arguments in a case challenging the state of Missouri’s same-sex marriage ban.
The ban has stopped gay and lesbian couples from having their marriages performed out of state, from being recognised there.
The challenge was brought by ten same-sex couples who were married out-of-state, and names Kansas City and state officials, including Governor Jay Nixon, and Attorney general Chris Koster.
It states that the officials have violated their due process and equal protection rights, as set out under the US Constitution.
According to the lawsuit, Missouri recognises same-sex marriage performed elsewhere, and that the 2013 Supreme Court ruling against the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), means the state should treat all same-sex marriages the same.
The lawsuit seeks an injunction which would require the state to recognise all same-sex marriags.
There are currently at least three challenges to the state’s same-sex marriage ban.
