US: Federal court rules against gay marriage bans in five more states
A federal appeals court yesterday struck down same-sex marriage bans in a ruling which, if upheld, will mean gay and lesbian couples in five new states to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry there.
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals struck down same-sex marriage bans in a ruling which specifically referred to Idaho and Nevada, but which could also end same-sex marriage bans in Alaska, Arizona and Montana too.
If upheld, this would mean same-sex couples could marry in 35 US states, and the District of Columbia.
“The lessons of our constitutional history are clear: Inclusion strengthens, rather than weakens, our most-important institutions,” wrote Judge Stephen Reinhardt wrote for a three-judge panel.
“When same-sex couples are married, just as when opposite-sex couples are married, they serve as models of loving commitment to all.”
Those fighting against same-sex marriage have 30 days to file an appeal, although given the Supreme Court’s ruling on Monday, it is unlikely that an appeal would be taken up.
