A state trial court in Monroe County issued a decision striking down Florida’s ban on marriage for gay & lesbian couples & ordering Monroe County to allow gay & lesbian couples to marry. The Court’s order provides that the Monroe County Clerk can begin issuing marriage licenses to for gay & lesbian couples on July 22, 2014. Nadine Smith, CEO, Equality Florida Institute stated “This is a monumental step forward for Florida. Today’s historic ruling affirms what the majority of Florida residents already know to be true: All couples & their families deserve to be treated equally by their government.” On July 7, 2014, Judge Luis Garcia, Monroe County Circuit Court heard oral argument in the case. The couples argued that Florida’s ban on marriage equality cannot stand in light of the United States Supreme Court’s ruling in June 2013 that the federal “Defense of Marriage Act” violates the federal constitutional guarantees of equal protection & due process. The case was brought by Key West residents Aaron Hunstman & William Lee Jones. They are represented by Bernadette Restivo of the law firm Restivo, Reilly & Vigil-Farinas LLC. Equality Florida Institute in partnership with several Florida organizations will hold gatherings throughout the state to celebrate. These Decision Day gatherings will give an opportunity for all fair-minded Floridians to voice their support for the freedom to marry. Plaintiff couples, members of the legal community & local leaders plan to be at rallies. Congrats Florida!!
For Rally Info: eqfl.org/decisionday
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