Fed Appeals Court OK’s Gay Marriage In State
Court rules for gay marriage in Oklahoma case
By NICHOLAS RICCARDI, AP
DENVER — A federal appeals court on Friday ruled Oklahoma must allow gay couples to wed, marking the second time it has found the U.S. Constitution protects same-sex marriage.
The decision from a three-judge panel in Denver upholds rulings that struck down Oklahoma’s gay marriage ban.
The 2-1 ruling comes after the same panel ruled June 25 that Utah’s ban on same-sex marriage violates the Constitution. It was the first time an appellate court determined last year’s U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down the Defense of Marriage Act means states cannot deny gays the ability to wed.
The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel put its Oklahoma and Utah rulings on hold pending an appeal. Utah’s attorney general has said he plans to appeal to the Supreme Court.