For the first time, a federal appeals court has struck down as unconstitutional a state law banning same-sex marriage.
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The 4th United States Court of Appeals upheld a lower court's decision that Virginia cannot limit marriage between a man and a woman. The ruling was 2-1.
Gay couples will be able to marry in 21 days unless the defendants file a motion to appeal. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports they are likely to file such an appeal.
The case could be reheard in the appeals court, this time by all 13 judges on the court. More likely, though, the defendants will take their appeal directly to the United States Supreme Court.
The court's decision is significant because it renders unconstitutional similar marriage bans in North Carolina, South Carolina and West Virginia, as well as Virginia. Each of those states are part of the 4th Circuit. Maryland, which also is included, already has a state law allowing gay couples to marry.
I'll file more about the case later on.
Gay couples will be able to marry in 21 days unless the defendants file a motion to appeal. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports they are likely to file such an appeal.
The case could be reheard in the appeals court, this time by all 13 judges on the court. More likely, though, the defendants will take their appeal directly to the United States Supreme Court.
The court's decision is significant because it renders unconstitutional similar marriage bans in North Carolina, South Carolina and West Virginia, as well as Virginia. Each of those states are part of the 4th Circuit. Maryland, which also is included, already has a state law allowing gay couples to marry.
I'll file more about the case later on.