Friday, July 18, 2014

State Trial Court Voids Florida's Ban On Same-Sex Marriages; Appeal Stays Decision

In Huntsman v. Heavlin,(FL Cir. Ct., July 17, 2014), a Florida state trial court judge enjoined the clerk of Monroe County, Florida from enforcing the state's ban on same-sex marriages. Finding that the ban violate's the 14th Amendment's due process and equal protection clauses, the court ordered the county clerk to issue marriage licenses to plaintiffs and other similarly-situated same-sex couples. According to the Washington Blade, the judge's order is automatically stayed because the Florida Attorney General quickly filed a notice of appeal.