Attorney General Eric Holder has stated that the Federal Government will now recognise more than 1000 same-sex marriages in Utah, despite an earlier announcement to the contrary. Utah same-sex couples will now have access to all federal benefits.
The state government of Utah had put the legality of same-sex marriage on hold while it fought a legal battle that struck down it's gay marriage ban. However, Eric Holder said in his video speech that "These families should not be asked to endure uncertainty regarding their status as the litigation unfolds." because of this court ruling.
A state judge had argued that the state ban on gay marriage breached the American constitution, but hundreds of couples were married during this time, leaving their marriage in a legal grey area. On Monday, the court issued a halt on gay marriages until the appeal has been settled, but does now recognise the legally married status of the couples who wed while the order was being addressed.
Same-sex couples will now be able to file joint tax-returns and income tax, the ability to sponsor a spouse for a family-based immigration visa and are also now able to claim survivor benefits, for partners of military personnel or diplomats.
This ruling is being lauded as a huge step forward for America gay rights.
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