The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a ruling declaring Utah’s ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional by a vote of 2-1.
The judges ruled that the Fourteenth Amendment protects those who wish to marry persons of the same-sex and that they are entitled to the same fundamental rights as opposite-sex couples.
Derek Kitchen is one of the plaintiffs in the case and says this ruling is historic.
“I don’t think that the state of Utah can continue to deny same-sex couples their rights for much longer. And I’m proud to have the 10th Circuit Court on our side,” he says.
Along with their ruling the judges also issued an immediate stay pending an appeal to the U-S Supreme Court. Utah’s Attorney General says his office will file a petition with the Court and is also considering asking for a review from the full panel of 10th circuit judges.
