Utah and Indiana are the latest states to see their bans on same-sex marriage struck down by a federal court, following rulings in both states today that found the prohibition unconstitutional.
In Utah, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals panel upheld a lower court ruling striking down the state's gay marriage ban. And, in Indiana U.S. District Judge Richard Young made a similar ruling.
"It is wholly illogical to believe that state recognition of love and commitment of same-sex couples will alter the most intimate and personal decisions of opposite-sex couples," the three-judge panel in the Utah case said. The panel immediately put the ruling on hold pending its appeal, either to the entire 10th Circuit or directly to the U.S. Supreme Court, according to The Associated Press.
In Indiana, Young wrote: "Same-sex couples, who would otherwise qualify to marry in Indiana, have the right to marry in Indiana. ... These couples, when gender and sexual orientation are taken away, are in all respects like the family down the street. The Constitution demands that we treat them as such."
Here's some of our recent coverage on this issue:
-- Virginia's Same-Sex Marriage Ban Is Ruled Unconstitutional
-- Court To Hear Utah's Appeal In Same-Sex Marriage Case
-- Judge Strikes Down Pennsylvania's Gay-Marriage Ban
-- Gay Marriage Around The Country: Not All Judges Say 'I Do'
-- Same-Sex Marriage Supporters Keep Up Their Winning Streak
-- Married Same-Sex Couples To Receive More Federal Benefits
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