Missouri Same-Sex Marriage Ban Struck Down by Federal Judge

U.S. District Court Judge Ortrie D. Smith has found Missouri’s same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional today, after ruling it violated the 14th amendment on the basis of sex. This ruling comes two days after a St. Louis judge also found the ban unconstitutional, allowing same-sex couples to marry within the city. The St. Louis decision has been appealed to the state Supreme Court.

Judge Smith issued a stay on the decision, so same-sex marriages will not begin immediately.