PHOENIX (AP) — Gay marriage has become legal in Arizona.
The state’s conservative attorney general says he’s not going to challenge a federal court decision that cleared the way for same-sex unions in the state. His decision came hours after the ruling striking down a 1996 state law and a 2008 voter-approved constitutional amendment that outlawed gay marriage.
The announcement prompted gay couples to line up at the downtown courthouse in Phoenix, where they began to marry immediately. David Larance and Kevin Patterson were among them. Patterson said the decision gives him “peace of mind.”
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer said in a statement that federal courts have thwarted the will of voters and eroded the state’s power to regulate laws.
Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear appeals from several states seeking to retain their bans on same-sex marriage. The move effectively legalized gay marriage in about 30 states.
%@AP Links
194-a-13-(Tom Horne, Arizona attorney general, at news conference)-“chance of success”-Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne says he will not be appealing this ruling. (17 Oct 2014)
<
195-a-11-(Debra Peevey, faith director, Why Marriage Matters Arizona, with reporters)-“States of America”-Debra Peevey, who’s the faith director of the group Why Marriage Matters Arizona says she knew this day would come. (17 Oct 2014)
<
APPHOTO AZRS106: Kevin Patterson, left, and David Larance show their Arizona marriage license, Friday, Oct. 17, 2014, in Phoenix. Gay marriage has become legal in Arizona after the state’s conservative attorney general said Friday that he wouldn’t challenge a federal court decision that cleared the way for same-sex unions in the state. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) (17 Oct 2014)
< Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
