Legal battle over same-sex marriage intensifies across the U.S. **UPDATE**

[William769]

Last edited Thu May 22, 2014, 07:10 PM - Edit history (1)

Marriage equality advocates are celebrating big legal victories this week after federal courts struck down same-sex marriage bans in two more states, and a federal lawsuit filed by four gay couples in Montana leaves just two states with same-sex marriage bans and no legal challenges aimed at overturning them.

But that’s likely to change soon and as same-sex marriage advocates in those two remaining states – North and South Dakota — gear up for a fight.

State marriage bans have been falling around the country since the U.S. Supreme Court last year struck down part of the federal Defense of Marriage Act. Now, in 29 states, judges are being asked whether same-sex couples should have the right to marry.

“At this point, I don’t think that it matters, whether you’re first or last. I don’t think it matters at all. I think what matters is that we’re all sending a message to either the Supreme Court or the legislators in Washington, D.C., that this has got to stop,” Nancy Rosenbrahn of Rapid City, South Dakota, told The Associated Press Wednesday.

http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2014/05/legal-battle-over-same-sex-marriage-spreads-from-coast-to-coast/

****UPDATE****


South Dakota Couples Challenge Marriage Ban

Six South Dakota couples have filed a lawsuit challenging the state's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.

Nancy and Jennie Rosenbrahn of Rapid City are among the couples who filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Sioux Falls Thursday. The two married in Minnesota in April.

"I think what matters is that we're all sending a message to either the Supreme Court or the legislators in Washington, D.C., that this has got to stop," Nancy Rosenbrahn said Wednesday, reports the Associated Press.

With the filing, North Dakota is now the only state without a legal challenge to laws that ban same-sex marriage.

http://www.advocate.com/politics/marriage-equality/2014/05/22/south-dakota-couples-challenge-marriage-ban

Only one State left with no challenge!

[William769]

1. kick.

[Behind the Aegis]

2. The problem is many of us are still in limbo.

It is great many of the laws are getting struck down, but it doesn't mean GL people are able to get married yet, and in some cases, it doesn't mean said marriage will be recognized in other states. It is a big ole hot mess right now.

[William769]

4. You are right it is a big mess.

And has caused more confusion for many than not. With that said, we are headed in the right direction. Like you, I live in a State that would rather die than see marriage equality. But we are getting there.

[Behind the Aegis]

5. Well our state knocked down the law, but a stay was issued until an appeal can take place.

We are one of 4 states (I think) in the same position. One thing I didn't know until a few days ago, are some states have (or are about to) knock down the anti-marriage equality laws, but the laws preventing recognition from other states is still on the books, which means MORE court dates and battles.

I agree we are moving in the right direction, but I think there are some out there (not you) who think, "State law repealed. All is well!" and that is the furthest thing from the truth. As they say, the devil is in the details, and, sadly, we (GLBT) have to be keenly aware of those details.

[William769]

6. You all are one step close than we are then. Good for you!

In Utah Since it was overturned there, the one's that were legally married in that brief time frame now cannot get health insurance as couples. Now that's a mess.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/09/us-usa-utah-gaymarriage-idUSBREA0716R20140109

[TeeYiYi]

8. Utah Ordered to Recognize Over 1,000 Gay Marriages...

A federal judge on Monday ordered Utah officials to recognize more than 1,000 same-sex marriages that took place in the state before the U.S. Supreme Court issued an emergency stay. If the rulings stands after a 21-day hold the judge placed on it, the state would be required to lift its freeze on benefits requested by gay couples.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/utah-ordered-grant-benefits-gay-couples-23786264

TYY

[William769]

9. Thanks. I didn't see that.

[TeeYiYi]

11. Just happened this week.

TYY

[rurallib]

3. maybe the SCOTUS will make the sane decision in those two cases

and remove them from the United States

*sarcasm thingie*

[William769]

7. Kick for update.

[Starry Messenger]

10. k&r

[Zorra]

12. Yay! K&R! nt

[Sheldon Cooper]

13. It's a juggernaut!

[Cha]

14. The Momentum is a like a

Tsunami of Love! thanks William~