Gay couples have right to marry in Kentucky, judge rules

[cal04]

Source: Courier Journal

A federal judge today ruled that same-sex couples have a right to marry in Kentucky.

"In America, even sincere and long-hold religious beliefs do not trump the constitutional rights of those who happen to have been out-voted," U.S. District Judge John G. Heyburn II wrote to invalidate Kentucky's constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.

Heyburn in February had ruled that Kentucky must recognize gay marriages performed in other states.

(snip)
Heyburn upheld the right to marry today, but put his ruling on hold pending a decision by a higher court. Heyburn rejected the only justification offered by lawyers for Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear — that traditional marriages contribute to a stable birth rate and the state's long-term economic stability.

Read more: http://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2014/07/01/gays-right-marry-kentucky-judge-rules/11900313/

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Judge rules gay couples have right to marry in Kentucky
(snip)
Judge John Heyburn issued an opinion on Tuesday that Louisville gay couples are entitled to marry one another because denying them to do so violated the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution.

However, couples can't rush to get married.

In Love vs Beshear, Judge Heyburn stayed the order pending the 6th Circuit of Appeals ruling. Oral arguments are set for August 6.

http://www.wave3.com/story/25916085/judge-rules-gay-couples-have-right-to-marry-in-kentucky


However, Tuesday's ruling was temporarily put on hold because it will be appealed, meaning it is not yet clear when same-sex couples could be issued marriage licenses.

U.S. District Judge John G. Heyburn in Louisville concluded in Tuesday's ruling that the state's prohibition on same-sex couples being wed violates the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution by treating gay couples differently than straight couples.

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/judge-strikes-down-kentuckys-gay-marriage-ban

[DonViejo]

1. Oh, well...

[William769]

2. Hell yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now I can truly say "My old Kentucky Home".

[Aristus]

3. YES!

Louisville has a wonderful vibrant gay community. I'm happy for all who are able to get married now...

[hack89]

4. Great news!!! nt

[SoapBox]

5. Sorry Haters...you'll just have to keep going with your

War Against Women.

(Can't we some how, some way FIRE the Five Terrorists on the Supreme Court!)

[rocktivity]

6. CUE THE VONAGE THEME!

Cool! What's happening in Indiana, by the way? The appeal is being expedited...


rocktivity

[mahatmakanejeeves]

7. Just one more, and we'll have all the commonwealths.

At least the ones counted as states: Virginia, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Kentucky.

Commonwealths in the United States

U.S. states

Main article: Commonwealth (U.S. state)

Four states in the United States officially designate themselves as "commonwealths." All four were original colonies (Kentucky was originally a part of the land grant of the Colony of Virginia) and share a strong influence of colonial common law in some of their laws and institutions. The four are:

Kentucky is designated a Commonwealth by the Kentucky Constitution and is known constitutionally as the "Commonwealth of Kentucky."

Massachusetts is a Commonwealth, declaring itself as such in its constitution, which states that "The body politic is formed by a voluntary association of individuals: it is a social compact, by which the whole people covenants with each citizen, and each citizen with the whole people, that all shall be governed by certain laws for the common good."

Pennsylvania uses the "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania" constitutionally and in its official title.

Virginia has been known as the "Commonwealth of Virginia" since before joining the United States, and is referred to as a Commonwealth in its constitution.

U.S. insular areas

Main article: Commonwealth (U.S. insular area)

"Commonwealth" is also used in the U.S. to describe the political relationship between the United States and the overseas unincorporated territories:

Commonwealth of the Philippines — formed in 1934, and became independent in 1946, upon which "Commonwealth" was replaced by "Republic".

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico — became a commonwealth[8] in 1952.

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands — became a commonwealth in 1978.

[olddad56]

8. what about same family couples?

[alfredo]

9. Sounds like there was a slam at the fascist five in that quote.

[A Little Weird]

10. Great news!

to Judge Hayburn

And a to AG Jack Conway who refused to defend the state's position.