U.S. District Court Judge Robert J. Shelby has ruled that Utah’s ban on same-sex marriage violates the U.S. Constitution’s equal protection and due process clauses.
“The state’s current laws deny its gay and lesbian citizens their fundamental right to marry and, in so doing, demean the dignity of these same-sex couples for no rational reason,” wrote Shelby in his decision.
From the Salt Lake Tribune:
“It feels unreal,” said Moudi Sbeity, who with his partner Derek L. Kitchen were plaintiffs in the case. “I’m just very thrilled that Derek and I will be able to get married soon, if all goes well and the state doesn’t appeal. We want a farmer’s market wedding because it’s where we spend a lot of time.”
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