Judge overturns Idaho gay marriage ban

A U.S. judge ruled Idaho’s ban on gay marriage unconstitutional on Tuesday, allowing gay and lesbian couples in the state to marry as soon as Friday, according to the Associated Press.

{mosads}Magistrate Judge Candy Dale wrote in a 57-page decision that Idaho’s ban denies gay and lesbian citizens their fundamental right to marry and relegates them to a “stigmatized, second-class status.”

“Idaho’s Marriage Laws withhold from them a profound and personal choice, one that most can take for granted.” the judge wrote.

Dale said the state must issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples starting at 9 a.m. Friday.

Idaho Gov. Butch Otter (R) intends to appeal the ruling, meaning an appellate court could still put the weddings on hold, the AP reported.

“Today’s decision, while disappointing, is a small setback in a long-term battle that will end at the U.S. Supreme Court,” Otter said in a statement. “I am firmly committed to upholding the will of the people and defending our Constitution.”

Earlier Tuesday, Otter filed a preemptive motion asking for an immediate stay if Dale ruled against the gay marriage ban.