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Last updated on Wednesday, June 25, 2014
(UNDATED) - Same-sex couples can legally get married in Indiana immediately.
U.S. District Judge Richard Young struck down Indiana's ban on same-sex marriage, ruling it a violation of the 14th Amendment's due process and Equal Protection clauses. Several couples had filed federal lawsuits challenging the marriage ban, and Young had previously ordered the state to recognize the same-sex marriage of a couple to ensure that the partner of a terminally ill woman would have access to benefits from the state normally available to married couples. Attorney General Greg Zoeller asked a federal appeals court to overturn that decision last week.
Zoeller's office had argued that only the state had the right to set laws for marriage, and he has previously said the state would appeal if Judge Young ruled against Indiana's law.
Marion County Clerk Beth White said she planned on immediately issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples so as to comply with the law. "It is my responsibility to uphold court rulings that impact this office and that is what I will do," said White in a statement. "The Clerk's Office will be open until at least 4:30p.m. this evening to issue licenses. I will also conduct short, civil ceremonies on a first-come, first-serve basis for a voluntary $50 contribution to the Indiana Youth Group."
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