Another state; another court ruling against gay marriage bans. The latest is Idaho, where U.S. District Magistrate Judge Candy Dale just ruled that the state’s voter-approved ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional — that the prohibition is discriminatory and denies same-sex couples their core, fundamental rights.
The ruling came on a case brought by four gay couples against the state in late 2013.
But Idaho’s Gov. C.L “Butch” Otter has vowed to appeal all the way to the nation’s highest court, if need be, he said, The Associated Press reported.
“In 2006, the people of Idaho exercised their fundamental right, reaffirming that marriage is the union of a man and a woman,” Mr. Otter said, AP reported. “Today’s decision, while disappointing, is a small setback in a long-term battle that will end at the U.S. Supreme Court. I am firmly committed to upholding the will of the people and defending our Constitution.”
The ruling is yet another notch in the belt of gay rights activists around the nation. Judges in Arkansas, Virginia, Oklahoma, Michigan, Texas and Utah have all declared bans on same-sex marriage unconstitutional.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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