U.S. District Judge Richard Young ruled on Wednesday that Indiana’s ban on gay marriage is a violation of the U.S. Constitution’s equal protection clause as it treats couples differently based on sexual orientation.
Indiana becomes the 21st state to allow same-sex marriage and couples can start applying for licenses immediately. Though the Indiana attorney general plans to appeal the ruling, it is expected to be upheld.
“Same-sex couples, who would otherwise qualify to marry in Indiana, have the right to marry in Indiana,” Young wrote. “These couples, when gender and sexual orientation are taken away, are in all respects like the family down the street. The Constitution demands that we treat them as such.”
The marriage equality momentum continues to build and it seems like it’s only a matter of time before same-sex marriage is legal in all 50 states. Welcome to the fray, Indiana!