A federal judge overturned Utah's same-sex marriage ban Friday, ruling it unconstitutional in a conservative state that is home to a large Mormon population that opposes homosexuality. Gay couples rushed to marry soon thereafter while state officials prepared to appeal the ruling.
"The State's current laws deny its gay and lesbian citizens their fundamental right to marry and, in so doing, demean the dignity of these same-sex couples for no rational reason," Judge Robert J. Shelby, of the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah, wrote in the order. "Accordingly, the court finds that these laws are unconstitutional."
Soon after the court order, Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker led same-sex marriage ceremonies, including that of State Senator Jim Dabakis to his longtime partner Stephen Justesen, in an office building about three miles from the headquarters of the Mormon Church, according to The Associated Press.
Becker told Reuters he officiated at 33 ceremonies. Keep reading
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