A judge in Monroe County, Florida, has ruled that gay couples could marry, overturning the state’s constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.
Monroe County Circuit Judge Luis Garcia wrote: “This court concludes that a citizen’s right to marry is a fundamental right that belongs to the individual.”
The ruling was stayed until Tuesday, July 22, at which point same-sex couples in Monroe County, which covers the Florida Keys, can begin obtaining marriage licenses, unless a stay is requested by the state attorney general and granted by the state court of appeals or Florida Supreme Court.
Following the ruling, Rep. Joe Saunders (D-Orlando), one of Florida’s first openly gay state lawmakers praised the decision as a historic step forward and issued the following statement:
“Judge Garcia’s ruling to strike down Florida’s discriminatory ban on same-sex marriage should be commemorated as a historic leap forward for the rights of LGBT people in our state. Florida’s constitutional amendment which discriminates against LGBT couples has been struck down and the focus should not turn to Pam Bondi.”
Saunders added:
“Attorney General Pam Bondi has an opportunity to do the right thing and choose to stand with LGBT couples in Monroe County. A majority of Floridians support sharing marriage with committed LGBT couples. I’m asking Attorney General Bondi to get on the right side of history and side with equality. There are couples in Monroe County who desperately need the protections marriage can offer and who deserve access to the dignity and responsibilities of full citizenship. Please do not ask for a stay on this ruling. Allow couples to marry and use your power as Attorney General to recognize these marriages. It’s the right thing to do.”
In 2014, Saunders introduced The competitive Workforce Act (HB 239), which would ban discrimination in the workplace, public accommodations and housing against the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.
