Federal judge rejects Kentucky's same-sex marriage ban

A federal judge on Tuesday struck down Kentucky's ban on same-sex marriages.

US District Judge John Heyburn, like judges in other same-sex marriage cases, cited the Constitution's Equal Protection Clause in justifying his ruling.

"Assuring equal protection for same-sex couples does not diminish the freedom of others to any degree"

"Assuring equal protection for same-sex couples does not diminish the freedom of others to any degree," Heyburn wrote. "Thus, same-sex couples' right to marry seems to be a uniquely 'free' constitutional right. Hopefully, even those opposed to or uncertain about same-sex marriage will see it that way in the future."

The decision, however, was put on hold until it works through the appeals process. That means Kentucky's same-sex couples will not be able to get married until a higher court makes a more definitive decision.

The decision is just one of many victories for LGBT advocates since the Supreme Court struck down the federal ban on same-sex marriages. Most recently, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals and judges in Indiana, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Oregon ruled in favor of same-sex marriage rights.

Further reading

• The 3 simple steps to nationwide marriage equality
• A complete victory for marriage equality could be a year away
• The origins of LGBT Pride Month