US: Supreme Court rejects Louisiana same-sex marriage case
The US Supreme Court has rejected an appeal against a same-sex marriage ruling inĀ Louisiana.
In an unusual move, the US state of Louisiana lastĀ monthĀ asked the Supreme Court to hear arguments around a same-sex marriage lawsuit before an appeals court had even ruled.
However, the tacticĀ was rejected today by the Supreme Court – who are currently consideringĀ the possibility of taking up a same-sex marriage case.
The decisionĀ does not immediately allow couples to marry in the state – as the case is still being heard before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Appeals from Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee are also pending Supreme Court review ā but justices have discretion as to whether they want to take a case.
The Supreme Court has declinedĀ to interveneĀ in the issue inĀ the pastĀ when initial rulings were in favour, but the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against same-sex marriageĀ found against equality in the four states.
The rulings against equality also create anĀ effective discrepancy in US law – and resolving splits is one of the most important factors for the Justices toĀ consider whenĀ reviewing cases.
The court took no action today on theĀ Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee cases – and is meeting again on Friday.
