An Idaho judge has overturned the state's ban on same-sex marriage, declaring it to be unconstitutional, just days after an Arkansas judge made a similar ruling.
"Idaho’s Marriage Laws withhold from them a profound and personal choice, one that most can take for granted," U.S. Magistrate Judge Candy Dale wrote in her 57-page decision, according to the Idaho Statesman. "By doing so, Idaho’s Marriage Laws deny same-sex couples the economic, practical, emotional and spiritual benefits of marriage, relegating each couple to a stigmatized, second-class status."
[seealso slug="legalization-gay-marriage-england-wales"]
If no stay is issued on the ruling, same-sex marriage in Idaho could begin this Friday.
In a move mirroring the post-court decision statements from Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel, who said he would work to uphold the letter of the law banning same-sex marriages in his state, Idaho Gov. Butch Otter said in a written statement, "Today’s decision, while disappointing, is a small setback in a longterm 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."
Still, many Twitter users reacted to the news with optimism and enthusiasm:
A victory for marriage equality in Idaho! How many states is that now?? ♡♡— Andie the Obamanista (@andie_walsh) May 14, 2014
A federal judge just ruled that Idaho must recognize my marriage! A very bright note in an otherwise bad day!— Jay Larsen (@ChainAttackJay) May 14, 2014
Federal judge strikes down Idaho marriage ban. Stay tuned for more #breaking #marriageequality— HumanRightsCampaign (@HRC) May 14, 2014
Hard to believe that Idaho finally did something right, but today the federal magistrate struck down Idaho's ban on same sex marriage!!— Espy!! (@esp1371) May 14, 2014