10TH CIRCUIT COURT RULES ON UTAH SAME-SEX MARRIAGE CASE

On Wednesday the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals headquartered in Denver, CO ruled that Utah's ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional in a 2-1 decision. This is the highest court so far to rule that bans on same-sex marriages are unconstitutional.

The 10th Circuit covers Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Colorado. Currently there is a case concerning Oklahoma's same-sex marriage ban.

A Boulder County, CO clerk began issuing same-sex marriage licenses towards the close of business on Wednesday after the 10th Circuit announcement. However, Colorado Attorney General John Suthers is saying those marriages are invalid given that Colorado has a ban on same-sex marriage at this time.

The Utah decision is stayed pending appeal. Utah Attorney General Missy Larsen is going to appeal this ruling to the Supreme Court. It is very likely that the Supreme Court is going to have to revisit this issue in the upcoming term.

News coverage provided by Denver's ABC affiliate.