Gay Marriage Ban Struck Down in Arkansas

Stating the state has “no rational reason” for preventing gay marriage, a judge in Arkansas struck down the statewide ban.  Judge Chris Piazza ruled that the 2004 amendment to the state constitution violates the rights of same-sex couples.  The amendment passed in 2004 was passed with support of Arkansas voters, however Piazza wrote, “This is an unconstitutional attempt to narrow the definition of equality.”  In his decision, Piazza cited the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1967 ruing which invalidated interracial marriage laws.  State Attorney General Dustin McDaniel said he would appeal the ruling. 

See Dave Paresh, Arkansas Ban on Gay Marriage Struck Down By County Judge with No Stay, Los Angeles Times, May 9, 2014.