Gay Marriage to Start in Florida

Posted by Jacob Ogles on Wednesday Dec 3, 2014 4:53 pm

Same-sex couples in Florida could be able to apply for marriage licenses as soon as Jan. 5, following a decision by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. The court denied the state’s motion for stay of a District Court ruling that overturned the state’s ban on marriage for same-sex couples.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has defended the state's ban, which was put in Florida's constitution following a vote in 2008. Bondi has not responded to the recent court decision. The state of Florida had requested an extension of the stay from the Circuit Court until the appeals process if fully finished

Equality Florida released a statement praising the decision and announcing "marriage equality has come to Florida."

"We are thrilled that the 11th Circuit has denied the state's request to delay marriages in Florida. Every day of delay is another day of harm experienced by thousands of loving and committed same-sex couples in Florida. Now it's time to break out the wedding bells," said Nadine Smith, CEO of Equality Florida.  "Florida is ready for the freedom to marry!"

A decision from the U.S. Supreme Court striking down parts of the Defense of Marriage Act and a decision not to take up a cort ruling against California's marriage ban has led to a string of court decisions throughout the country effectively allowing gay marriage now in 35 states.

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Tags:   Equality Florida  featured  gay marriage  Pam Bondi

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