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Judge Overturns PA’s Same-sex Marriage Ban

A federal judge struck down Pennsylvania’s law prohibiting same-sex marriage on Tuesday. Judge John Jones III said the ban is unconstitutional. People of ...

A federal judge struck down Pennsylvania's law prohibiting same-sex marriage on Tuesday.

Judge John Jones III said the ban is unconstitutional.

People of the same sex can now apply for a marriage license in the state.

Attorney General Kathleen Kane released a statement on the decision:

"This is an historic day. More importantly, today brings justice to Pennsylvanians who have suffered from unequal protection under the law because of their sexual orientation. When state-sponsored inequality exists, citizens are deprived of the full protections that the Constitution guarantees. Our Commonwealth progressed today and so have the hopes and dreams of many who suffer from inequality.

"Today, in Pennsylvania, the Constitution prevailed. Inequality in any form is unacceptable and it has never stood the test of time. I have remained steadfast in my decision not to defend Pennsylvania’s Defense of Marriage Act because I made a legal determination as to the unconstitutionality of this law. I am pleased that a learned legal mind such as Judge Jones ruled similarly."

The ruling would make Pennsylvania the last Northeast state to allow same-sex marriages. However, the state could challenge the decision before the Third U.S. circuit.

You can read the complete ruling by Judge Jones III  here.

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