Federal Appeals Court Upholds Gay Marriage Bans in Four States

A ruling by a federal appeals court upheld gay marriage bans in Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky and Tennessee. Fox News reports that the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision “creates a divide among federal appeals courts, increasing the likelihood the Supreme Court will now take up the issue.” 

The ruling, which was split 2-1, determined that states can set their own laws in favor or against gay marriage. 

Circuit Judge Jeffrey Sutton wrote the majority opinion. He said, "I would have thought the best way to get respect and dignity is through the democratic process. Nothing happens as quickly as we'd like it."

The ruling followed over 20 court cases that ruled in favor of gay marriage supporters. 

Gay marriage will now likely return to the Supreme Court so it can determine if states have the right to ban gay marriage or if all Americans have the right to marry under the United States Constitution. 

Publication date: November 7, 2014