Federal Judge Rules Florida Gay Marriage Ban Unconstitutional

In this photo taken Aug. 4, 2010, same-sex marriage supporters gather outside a federal building and wait for a judge's decision overturning California's same-sex marriage ban in San Francisco. A federal appeals cour... In this photo taken Aug. 4, 2010, same-sex marriage supporters gather outside a federal building and wait for a judge's decision overturning California's same-sex marriage ban in San Francisco. A federal appeals court put same-sex weddings in California on hold indefinitely Monday, Aug. 16, 2010, while it considers the constitutionality of the state's gay marriage ban. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg) MORE LESS
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A federal judge in Florida has ruled the state’s gay marriage ban unconstitutional, according to the Associated Press.

The decision by U.S. District Judge Robert L. Hinkle is the latest of several-dozen rulings for same-sex marriage by federal courts across the country since the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling advancing gay rights in 2013. On the federal level, gay marriage has since enjoyed an undefeated streak.

Hinkle put a hold on his ruling, meaning gay couples in Florida will not be able to receive marriage licenses just yet.

The ruling puts Republican Gov. Rick Scott in a predicament as he runs for reelection. As gay marriage becomes more popular in the state he has obscured his position on the issue and dodged questions by reporters. His administration has a say in whether to appeal the decision and defend the state’s ban.

Charlie Crist, the Democratic nominee for governor in Florida, who supports marriage equality, quickly praised the ruling.

This is a breaking story and will be updated.

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Notable Replies

  1. Florida has finally discovered that it has been in the wrong century.

    A step closer for gays seeking marriage equality.

  2. …and the heads of the bigots go POP POP POP!

  3. How many states are in now and how many are teetering?

    I think that the ‘conservatives’ are too preoccupied to stay on top of this what with all the Benghaziing, gunrunning and IRSing going on.

    Once all of the sure to happen atrocities start to kick in from allowing couples that are already together and have been for a long time get married, then the righteous right will come out with a big team, I told you so and have all of the married couples back up and get annulments. And they are going to take their medical coverage away whilst they are at it because they enjoy that kind of shit.

  4. Maybe Scott will support it if gay/lesbian couples have to take a pee test that is tested by his wife’s testing company and paid for by Florida tax payers. Assuming they are not too busy testing “welfare” recipients - but just the poor ones, not rich people who get government funds or the Governor or State Congress.

  5. And another domino falls.

    Welcome to civilized society, Florida.

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