A Republican judge in the Florida Keys has overturned the state’s constitutional ban on gay marriage after a legal challenge was brought by six same-sex couples who claimed the ban made them second-class citizens.
The ruling only applies to Circuit Judge Luis M. Garcia’s county which consists of the Keys, and while it’s already been appealed, it’s a big step for the conservative state.
“It is our country’s proud history to protect the rights of the individual, the rights of the unpopular and the rights of the powerless, even at the cost of offending the majority,” wrote Garcia, in his decision.
“The Constitution guarantees and protects all of its citizens from government interference with those rights. All laws passed by the legislature or by popular support must pass the scrutiny of the United States Constitution, to do otherwise diminishes the Constitution to just a historical piece of paper.”
In 2008, Florida residents voted for a ban on same-sex marriage, and Judge Garcia’s ruling deems that ban unconstitutional. Licenses could have begun being issued starting Tuesday had Attorney General Pam Bondi’s immediate notice of appeal not included an automatic stay.
Former Florida Republican Governor and current Florida Democratic Gubernatorial candidate praised the ruling, taking to Twitter to show his support:
How about we take this to the next level?
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This is a great step toward equality in Florida. #LoveisLove http://t.co/k3Hq6CCEQr
— Charlie Crist (@CharlieCrist) July 17, 2014
Two additional challenges are pending in a federal court in Tallahassee seeking to force the state to recognize same-sex marriage.
Dakotahgeo
Ahhhhh yes!!! Finally Florida and the southern foot and knuckle draggers are starting to grow up and mature in our favorite Sunshine and Oranges State. What ever will they do when they finally reach 2014 socially and we’re already in 2024??!
yousir75
Wasn’t Crist, who has had his own gay rumors to deal with, against same-sex marriage before?
ingyaom
Aren’t those his and HER wedding rings?
tricky ricky
the AG has been is on her THIRD marriage. it’s a sacred institution ya know!