A federal judge struck down Arkansas’ voter-approved gay-marriage ban, but stopped any rush to the altar by putting her order on hold so the state can consider an appea. U.S. District Judge Kristine Baker ruled in favor of two same-sex couples who had challenged a 2004 constitutional amendment and earlier state law defining marriage as between a man and a woman. The couples argued the ban violated the U.S. Constitution and discriminated based on sexual orientation.
Mississippi has also had its marriage-equality ban overturned. U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves issued a preliminary injunction Nov. 25, but he is putting his order on hold for two weeks so the state can appeal. State attorneys have already said they will ask the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to block Reeves’ order. Mississippi has a 1997 law and a 2004 voter-approved constitutional amendment that define marriage as being between a man and a woman.
Related coverage at windycitytimes.com/lgbt/Federal-Judge-strikes-down-Mississippi-marriage-ban/49787.html.