LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A federal judge struck down Kentucky’s ban on gay marriage Tuesday, although the ruling was temporarily put on hold and it was not immediately clear when same-sex couples could be issued marriage licenses.
In the latest in a string of victories for gay marriage advocates, U.S. District Judge John G. Heyburn, appointed by President Geroge H.W. Bush, previously struck down Kentucky’s ban on recognizing same-sex marriages from other states and countries.
“Sometimes, by upholding equal rights for a few, courts necessarily must require others to forebear some prior conduct or restrain some personal instinct,” Heyburn wrote. “Here, that would not seem to be the case. Assuring equal protection for same-sex couples does not diminish the freedom of others to any degree.”
Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear said the state will appeal. It’s not clear if the appeal will be heard alongside others before the 6th Circuit.
