Read How A Federal Judge Destroyed The Utah Gay Marriage Ban

Photo courtesy of Equality Utah

Last week, Utah became the 18th state to allow gay marriage.  a Federal judge appointed by President Obama and endorsed by Utah’s 2 Republican Senators eloquently and completely shredded every argument made by the anti marriage equality defense.  The entire article from Think Progress is worth a read, but one example of Judge Robert Shelby’s decision is below:

Rather than protecting or supporting the families of opposite-sex couples, Amendment 3 perpetuates inequality by holding that the families and relationships of same-sex couples are not now, nor ever will be, worthy of recognition. Amendment 3 does not thereby elevate the status of opposite-sex marriage; it merely demeans the dignity of same-sex couples. And while the State cites an interest in protecting traditional marriage, it protects that interest by denying one of the most traditional aspects of marriage to thousands of its citizens: the right to form a family that is strengthened by a partnership based on love, intimacy, and shared responsibilities. The Plaintiffs’ desire to publicly declare their vows of commitment and support to each other is a testament to the strength of marriage in society, not a sign that, by opening its doors to all individuals, it is in danger of collapse.

Three cheers for equality.  The Utah Attorney General is working diligently to appeal the decision, but for now, over 100 couples have married in the state.