Hoosier same sex couples say they’re celebrating a victory for love after the 7th Circuit Thursday ruled, in strong language, that Indiana’s same sex marriage ban is unconstitutional. Attorneys representing those couples say the effects of the ruling are still on hold as the case is expected to continue.
7th Circuit Judge Richard Posner was unambiguous in his opinion upholding a district court’s ruling from June that struck down the ban. He says the state’s argument that same-sex couples don't need marriage because they can't produce children is, in his words, "so full of holes it cannot be taken seriously."
Greg Hasty and CJ Vallero got married in the short window of time after the district court allowed same sex marriage in Indiana and before that ruling was put on hold. Hasty says he and Valleroare celebrating, even though the ruling doesn’t end the fight for legal recognition of their marriage.
“Every time we have these decisions," says Hasty, "it adds a little more joy to the day that we had together and we’ll keep pushing forward until it’s finally recognized.”
Steven Stolen and his husband Rob MacPherson married in California and want Indiana to recognize their marriage. Stolen says the court rulings are about more than just legal definitions.
“How about our 16-year-old daughter, who has been with us from the day she came out of, was at the hospital, can say that her parents are married," asks Stolen. "How about the dignity and the joy of that?”
In a statement, Senate President Pro Tem David Long says he’s not surprised by the 7th Circuit’s ruling but still believes marriage should be decided on a state by state basis.
Long urges the U-S Supreme Court to rule quickly on the issue to avoid what he calls “chaos and uncertainty” created by several different rulings.