A judge has struck down part of Missouri’s marriage-equality ban, ordering the state to recognize same-sex marriages legally performed in other states and saying state laws banning the unions single out gay couples “for no logical reason,” the Associated Press noted.
The decision comes in a lawsuit from 10 same-sex couples who legally married outside the state. The order means such couples can sign up for a wide range of tax, health insurance, veterans and other benefits now afforded to opposite-sex married couples.
Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster’s office planned to review the ruling.
In a statement, A.J. Bockelman—executive director of PROMO, Missouri’s statewide organization advocating for LGBT equality—said, “This is an incredible day when Missouri joins the ranks of the other states that have advanced cases of marriage equality. At PROMO, we are committed to making sure that marriage is secured for all same-sex couples.”