Utah took its fight against gay marriage to the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday, asking the high court to suspend same-sex unions that became legal when a judge struck down the state’s voter-approved ban.
The heavily Mormon state wants the marriages to stop while it appeals a judge’s decision, which said banninggay couples from marrying violates their right to equal treatment under the law.
In papers filed Tuesday, the state asked Justice Sonia Sotomayor to overturn a decision that has led to more than 900 gay marriages in Utah. Sotomayor handles emergency requests from Utah and other Rocky Mountain states.
Sotomayor responded by setting a deadline of by noon Friday for legal briefs from same-sex couples. She can act by herself or get the rest of the court involved.
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In the papers filed Tuesday, Utah argues that children are best raised by a mother and father in a good relationship.
“On average children navigate developmental stages more easily, perform better academically, have fewer emotional disorders and become better functioning adults when reared in that environment,” it says.
I see Utah is making the thoroughly discredited argument about “responsible procreation” that other courts have torn apart. I’d say “good luck with that” but this is one of those times when mere sarcasm is inadequate. I hope SCOTUS crams that piece of baloney right down your throat, Utah. It’s nothing less than what you deserve. Their request for a stay can be found here if you’re interested.
Meanwhile, back in Texas, a new movement has been launched to increase support for marriage equality here.
Equality Texas is partnering with the national group Freedom to Marry to launch a new project called Why Marriage Matters Texas, which will focus on storytelling as a way of changing hearts and minds.
“For the first time in a long time, marriage in Texas is moveable,” said Daniel Williams, field organizer for Equality Texas. “The public opinion is shifting our way. This is something we can actually dedicate resources to and have a realistic expectation of having results. We’re gearing up to work in a concrete way to bring the freedom to marry to Texas.”
Williams said while recent polls show a steady increase in support for marriage equality among Texas voters, much of the shift has been due to an increase in the number of young people, non-native Texans and Hispanics.
“If we’re going to be able to push the changes in public opinion beyond demographic shifts, we’re going to have to go and talk to people about why our marriages matter, in the language of emotion and the language of human relationships,” Williams said. “You can spit statistics to people all day long, but what changes people’s hearts and minds are personal stories of people affected by the issues.”
The website is here, though it’s still under construction. Again, the federal court hearing to decide on an injunction against Texas’ Double Secret Illegal Anti-Gay Marriage constitutional amendment is February 12. A whole lot more than I would have ever expected has happened since that court date was set. Assuming SCOTUS denies Utah’s appeal, one has to ask what grounds exist now to not grant that injunction? Six weeks from now we could be in for a very big change for the better. BOR has more.