Today, a state trial court in Monroe County issued a ruling that overturns Florida’s ban on marriage for same-sex couples and ordering Monroe County to allow same-sex couples to wed. The decision means that the Monroe County Clerk can begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples on July 22.
Nadine Smith, CEO of Equality Florida Institute, said: “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 and their families deserve to be treated equally by their government.”
“Today’s court ruling in Florida is further proof that America is ready for marriage equality nationwide,” said Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Legal Director Sarah Warbelow. “Unfortunately, same-sex couples in a majority of states still don’t have the right to marry, creating a confusing patchwork of marriage laws across the country. This is not only unsustainable, but it’s also unconstitutional.”
Equality Florida Institute, in partnership with several Florida organizations, plans to hold celebratory gatherings throughout the state.
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