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osodecanelaAs expected, federal district Judge Timothy Black ruled today that the state of Ohio must recognize the marriages of same sex couples that wed outside of the state. This is another in an ever lengthening string of federal courts that have ruled in favor of marriage equality for our community. The ruling does not require the state to preform such weddings, but it will have to recognize them, much the way it currently treats opposite sex couples who are also first cousins. They cannot marry in Ohio, but there's nothing to stop them from going to the next state over and then returning home husband and wife.
The decision is stayed pending a hearing on a stay, pending the appeal to the 6th circuit court of appeals. This appeal is assured given the tenor of the commentary from the Republicans in power in Ohio, particularly the governor and attorney general.
I'm elated and even more importantly, I'm reassured. In his opinion Judge Black stated, "given that all practicing attorneys, as well as the vast majority of all citizens in this country, are fully aware that unconstitutional laws cannot stand, even when passed by popular vote, Defendants’ repeated appeal to the purportedly sacred nature of the will of Ohio voters is particularly specious."
It is the work of the judiciary to defend the rights of the minority from the tyranny of the majority. Since when is it ever appropriate to subject any minority's civil rights to a popular vote?
Given the unmitigated lies that I saw on the airwaves here in California prior to election day in '08, which I am certain continue to pollute the media in other parts of this county, how any court might conclude that a public's vote would not be guided in large part by animus wouldamaze discourage dismay disgust me. That federal judge after federal judge in the last few years continue to affirm out rights as a community, not to special rights, but to the same rights as everyone else, regardless of the justice's politics and political affiliation, reaffirms my faith in our judiciary.
It's wonderful to be able to refer to them as just that - justices.
The decision is stayed pending a hearing on a stay, pending the appeal to the 6th circuit court of appeals. This appeal is assured given the tenor of the commentary from the Republicans in power in Ohio, particularly the governor and attorney general.
I'm elated and even more importantly, I'm reassured. In his opinion Judge Black stated, "given that all practicing attorneys, as well as the vast majority of all citizens in this country, are fully aware that unconstitutional laws cannot stand, even when passed by popular vote, Defendants’ repeated appeal to the purportedly sacred nature of the will of Ohio voters is particularly specious."
It is the work of the judiciary to defend the rights of the minority from the tyranny of the majority. Since when is it ever appropriate to subject any minority's civil rights to a popular vote?
Given the unmitigated lies that I saw on the airwaves here in California prior to election day in '08, which I am certain continue to pollute the media in other parts of this county, how any court might conclude that a public's vote would not be guided in large part by animus would
It's wonderful to be able to refer to them as just that - justices.
