UPDATE:  On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court ruled against the bans on same-sex marriage, which effectively made it legal in all 50 states.

Alrighty,

I will first request that people try to remain civil and respectful here, as much as possible

As someone who has been watching this issue for a long time now, I have been encouraged by all the legal activity occurring this week in the area of same-sex marriage.

In case anyone isn't aware, on Monday, October 6, the Supreme Court decided NOT to take on rulings striking down bans affecting 11 states.  This effectively legalized same-sex marriage in those states.  Then today, the 9th Circuit US Court of Appeals concluded that same-sex marriage bans in Nevada and Idaho violated equal protection, effectively legalizing same-sex marriage in those two states as well.

Ever since the big Windsor case last year, ruling after ruling at lower courts across the country have all seemed to agree that banning same-sex marriage is unconstitutional and/or violates the freedoms of select groups of individuals.  I believe it is simply a matter of time before other states follow - and I am anxiously awaiting the results of the 6th Circuit ruling which affects my state, Kentucky, and others nearby. 

I know not everyone is thrilled about this, but I very strongly feel that this is a step in the right direction and these changes are long overdue.  I could go on for pages about how and why I agree with the significant legal changes that have occurred in the last two years. 

I'm not asking everyone to agree, or understand, or be happy about this - but as someone very close to the matter with many friends and family DIRECTLY affected by these laws, I felt compelled to share this news.

That's 37 states too few in my opinion.

I'm all about them equal rights!

I think after today it effectively brings the number of states that allow (or will soon allow) same-sex marriage, to 32.

Are there other circuits who have made rulings besides 9th?

I believe 4th, 7th, and 10th also, prior to today.

Moving in the right direction for sure.

Hell yeah! The fact that bigotry like bans on SS Marriage is still allowed is almost comical, if it was not so sad.

Add me to the list of people that think this is a huge step in the right direction. Big supporter of LGBT rights and am pumped to hear more states are allowing couples of the same sex to marry.

To me, the government shouldn't have any say what so ever in the matter. If you want to tie stuff like taxes and who gets your stuff when you die, then the bonding the government uses shouldn't have been called marriage. It should be two separate things. If the Christian church doesn't want homosexuals married, fine, they can't have a CHRISTIAN marriage. But on the other hand, Christians shouldn't be the ones dictating who can and can not get married.

Why don't most anti-gay marriage people protest atheists and Hindus getting married? I've never been able to understand the overwhelming hatred against homosexuals by some people. Yet they don't talk nearly as bad about murderers. I mean heck, if it didn't make it into the ten commandments, it must be below stealing and adultery.

It's all religious brain washing.

I'd rather have legal weed first though.

I don't have an issue with same-sex couples having some kind of bonding ceremony that effectively gives them the same standing and rights as a married couple. I don't think the government should be able to force pastors and churches to perform marriage ceremonies for same sex couples as its a religious ceremony and the religion does not allow it.

Been legal round these parts for a while now. I wouldn't say im a supporter per say but at the same time it doesn't bother me.

I thought that the Supreme Court refused to hear the cases because they claim that Same Sex/Gay marriage regulation falls under the 10th Amendment?

Lemme tell ya, there's nothing gay about two dudes buttfuckin'.


That aside homosexual marriage is a nonsensical concept. It's Adam and Eve not Adam and Dr. Drew.

Yeah, because a guy banging out a chick that was made from his rib makes a ton more sense than 2 dudes gettin eachother off. I wish there were mor gay men/gay marriages...more ladies for me.

Thou doth protest too much.  

As much as I can admire the spirit, you're probably not going to be the next Genghis Khan. It'd be a good idea to encourage the masses to be normal.

Anyone think we'll have a replay of the '50s and '60s when it's made legal in Alabama or Mississippi? So glad the country is moving in the right direction on this whole mess.

I find it ironic, but Louisiana was the first state where the courts actually ruled in favor of keeping traditional marriage. I'm not actually opposed to it since allowing gays to marry will not actually impact the 95% of heterosexual couples and families. People say that allowing it will cause the moral backbone of America to disintegrate. I'm a born again believer and I still don't see it being that big of a deal. But then again I'm a blue liberal living in a southern red state.

Another thing that's up in the air. Suppose two same-sex Louisiana residents get married in Arkansaws (it's legal there now). There's a lovely wedding chapel in Hot Springs which would make an ideal spot as well.

So they move back to Louisiana after the ceremony. Then what?

Back to normalcy!

- Warren G. Harding

@thenickross Um, dude, all those available ladies will take one look at the fellows left over and start banging each other. If you are extremely lucky (or a vouyeristic perv) you might get a change to watch some action. I doubt however, that you will get to participate.

The places I've talked my penis into and out of would blow your mind.

The STDs floating about in the wild will blow your mind. Google / Wikipedia is your friend.

Stay monogamous or use protection, my friend...

^ I always wrap up sir.

My mind can't think of where talking would be required to get out, but I'm not going to do any google images searches either!