Gay Couples in Utah, Surprised but Glad, Rush to Marry After Court Ruling Permits It

 

Laurie Wood, left, and Kody Partridge, whose lawsuit led to the ruling, after marrying on Friday.I

Gay couples are lining up in Salt Lake City, Utah, to be married hours after a US judge ruled that the state's ban on gay unions is unconstitutional.

The county clerk began issuing the licences, despite state officials saying they would appeal and seek an order to prevent further marriages.

Judge Robert Shelby ruled the voter-passed 2004 ban violated same-sex couples' rights to equal protection.


The court ruled that it was unconstitutional to deny marriage licences to same-sex couples.The ruling comes days after New Mexico legalised gay marriage.


The very first couple to be married did so about an hour after the ruling was delivered.

Among the dozens of same-sex couples lined up to get marriage licences at the Salt Lake County clerk's office was State Senator Jim Dabakis.

State Senator Jim Dabakis, left, and Stephen Justesen wed on Friday.

What is the world turning into?