Judge rules SD same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional
Source: Pierre Capital Journal, Associated Press
Posted: Monday, January 12, 2015 3:22 pm | Updated: 3:24 pm, Mon Jan 12, 2015.
Associated Press
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) A federal judge has declared South Dakota's same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional, but has stayed the decision pending appeal.
U.S. District Judge Karen Schreier on Monday issued a summary judgment in favor of the six couples who filed the lawsuit. The federal complaint challenges both South Dakota's ban on gay marriage and its refusal to recognize marriages of same-sex couples who legally wed in other states.
Attorney Josh Newville is representing the couples. He says he looks forward to "calling his clients and informing them of the news."
A spokeswoman for South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley didn't immediately return a call seeking comment. Jackley has said he's obligated by law to defend both the state constitution and state statutes. Jackley is among the defendants that also include Gov. Dennis Daugaard.
© 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Read more: http://www.capjournal.com/news/judge-rules-sd-same-sex-marriage-ban-unconstitutional/article_245a8458-9aa1-11e4-9985-d33c7534d71b.html
Hat tip, Joe.My.God: BREAKING: South Dakota Marriage Ban Struck Down, Ruling Has Been Stayed
I did not link to the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, as it uses the awkward Gannett software, with weird pop-up windows. Still, they're the state's biggest newspaper, so here's their link anyway:
Judge rules SD same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional
The plaintiffs are from Rapid City, so let's go there:
Judge rules South Dakota same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional
uppityperson
(115,677 posts)progressoid
(49,991 posts)I know a longtime gay couple in SD. Wonder if they'll tie the knot now?
Bartlet
(172 posts)states that have overturned or voted to repeal their anti-gay laws? Who's going to be last? I think it's a toss up between Alabama and Mississippi for that dubious honor.