The AP reports Missouri’s ban on same-sex marriage ban has been ruled unconstitutional.
St. Louis Circuit Judge Rex Burlison issued the ruling today, Wednesday, Nov. 5, after hearing arguments on Sept. 29.
After the city of St. Louis issued marriage licenses in June to four same-sex couples, Assistant Attorney General Jeremiah Morgan defended the state’s ban on same-sex marriage.
St. Louis City Counselor Winston Calvert countered that the existing law treats same-sex couples as “second-class citizens.”
“Today’s ruling adds to the powerful momentum of victories from a bipartisan array of federal and state judges as we work to secure the freedom to marry nationwide,” Marc Solomon, national campaign director of Freedom to Marry, said in a statement.
One month ago a state ruling required Missouri must recognize same-sex marriages performed out of state.
32 states currently issuing recognize same-sex couples.
