Gay marriage ban in the state of Arkansas has been struck down on Friday after the judge found no reason to prevent gay couples from marrying.
Same-sex couple in Arkansas was delighted after the gay marriage ban in the state was removed by the county judge. The ten-year old constitutional amendment, which was passed by voters in 2004 was considered by the judge as an unconstitutional attempt of defining equality. It was Pulaski County Circuit Judge Chris Piazza, who struck down the ban after realizing that the constitution prohibiting same-sex marriage is a violation of human rights.
Piazza's decision also overturns the 1997 gay marriage ban in the states. His ruling came a week after Attorney General Dustin McDaniel, the first statewide elected official announced his support for the gay marriage rights. Furthermore, gay couples such as Kathy Henson and Angelia Buford are hoping to be wed as soon as the offices open.
It is not just Judge Piazza that found the ban unconstitutional. Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that a gay marriage ban in the state is considered unconstitutional. Since then, lower court judges have based their decisions in striking down same-sex marriage bans in the said ruling.
Federal judges ruled against same-sex marriage bans in Michigan, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia and Texas. However, there are also several Democratic attorneys general that declined in supporting same-sex marriage bans. States included were Virginia, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Oregon and Kentucky.
In relation Piazza's ruling, many couples are already hoping to be wed quickly. However, according to the Associated Press, clerks said that they were not formally informed about the decision and that they are not yet prepared to issue marriage licenses. Many have praised the striking down of the gay marriage ban in the state, which included the head of the Human Rights Campaign.
"This victory is an essential step on the journey toward full equality for all," said HRC President Chad Griffin, an Arkansas native.
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