Louisiana gay marriage ban upheld by federal judge
A rally takes place at Jackson Square after a day of major victory for gay rights on June 26, 2013. On Wednesday, the Supreme Court struck down a provision of a federal law denying federal benefits to married gay couples and cleared the way for the resumption of same-sex marriage in California. (Photo by Kathleen Flynn, Nola.com / The Times-Picayune) (Kathleen Flynn, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
U.S. District Judge Martin Feldman issued a ruling Wednesday (Sept. 3) upholding Louisiana's ban on gay marriage, breaking a string of 20-plus court victories for supporters of same-sex marriage since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down part of the federal Defense of Marriage Act last year.
A spokesman for the Forum on Equality, which represents three same-sex couples suing state officials over the ban, said the plaintiffs will appeal Feldman's ruling to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeal.
Feldman's ruling includes upholding the state's refusal to recognize gay marriages legally performed in other states.
Feldman said gay marriage supporters failed to prove that the ban violates equal protection or due process provisions of the Constitution.
Feldman agreed with state attorneys who argued that states have the right to define marriage.
Feldman was nominated to the court in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A spokesman for the Forum on Equality, which represents three same-sex couples suing state officials over the ban, said the plaintiffs will appeal Feldman's ruling to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeal.
Feldman's ruling includes upholding the state's refusal to recognize gay marriages legally performed in other states.
Feldman said gay marriage supporters failed to prove that the ban violates equal protection or due process provisions of the Constitution.
Feldman agreed with state attorneys who argued that states have the right to define marriage.
Feldman was nominated to the court in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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