US: Judge strikes down Wyoming’s same-sex marriage ban
A judge has struck down a ban on same-sex marriage in the state of Wyoming.
US District Court Judge Scott Skavdahl ruled yesterday that the state’s law defining marriage as “a civil contract between a male and a female person” was unconstitutional.
In his ruling, Judge Skavdahl wrote “Marriage licenses may not be denied on basis that the applicants are same-sex couples… The ship has sailed.”
The judge stayed the ruling until next Thursday, potentially halting weddings until then – though the process could be sped up, as Governor Matt Mead says the state will not appeal the ruling.
Governor Mead said: “This result is contrary to my personal beliefs and those of many others. As in all matters, I respect the role of the courts and the ruling of the Court.
“While this is not the result I and others would have hoped, I recognize people have different points of view and I hope all citizens agree, we are bound by the law.
He added that he “will file notice with the court that the State will not appeal”, allowing marriages to begin as soon as he does so.
The victory comes following a bumper fortnight for marriage equality, with the number of states with marriage equality now at 32 – up from 19 last month.
