US: North Carolina activists seek urgent repeal of marriage ban after Supreme Court decision
Activists in North Carolina have urged a judge to quickly strike down the state’s ban on same-sex marriage, after the Supreme Court opted not to rule on the issue.
Earlier today, the US Supreme Court today rejected seven pending appeals against same-sex marriage rulings across the US – which could allow same-sex weddings to begin in as many as 11 extra states.
Chris Brook, of North Carolina’s American Civil Liberties Union, said the group will file a request today with District Judge William L. Osteen, urging him to strike down the state’s ban.
He said: “The Supreme Court’s decision means that the freedom to marry for same-sex couples must be recognized here in North Carolina without delay.
“We are asking the district court here in North Carolina to immediately issue a ruling striking down North Carolina’s unconstitutional and discriminatory ban on marriage for same-sex couples.
“Every day that gay and lesbian couples in North Carolina are denied the ability to marry the person they love places their families and children in legal and financial jeopardy.
“The time has come to end this unfair treatment once and for all and to let our American values of freedom and equality apply to all couples.”
North Carolina is covered by the Fourth Circuit – and as such is impacted by the Supreme Court’s decision to refuse to hear a case in neighbouring Virginia.
Same-sex weddings have already begun in Virginia, while a clerk in Indiana has also begun issuing marriage certificates.
More states are expected to follow suit as the impact of the decision trickles down to the state level, with the potential for the number of states recognising same-sex marriage to rise from 19 yesterday to around 30.
