Washington, DC - The Supreme Court's decision today not to take the five cases means that the decisions overturning the marriage laws in those states are upheld, thus clearing the way for same-sex marriages in Indiana, Wisconsin, Utah, Oklahoma, and Virginia. However, since the courts of appeal involve other states, it is just a matter of time before the laws in these states will feel the effect. These states include North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia (Maryland already has SSM), (Illinois already has SSM), Colorado, Kansas and Wyoming (New Mexico already has SSM). After years of state legislation, people's referenda, constitutional amendments, and court rulings, the Supreme Court silently approved same-sex marriage today.
"'This is a total dereliction of duty,'" said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. '"The Supreme Court abandoned its duty to take up or at least hold these marriage cases. The responsibility for the undermining of marriage rests solely at the U.S. Supreme Court. Last year''s decision in the Defense of Marriage Act case that started this fire, and today's decision to watch marriage burn to ashes is the responsibility of the Supreme Court. The actions of the Supreme Court in particular, and of the judiciary in general, undermine the rule of law and erode the confidence of the people in the judicial branch of government. When the people lose confidence in the rule of law, the judiciary will lose is legitimacy. Everyone will be affected by same-sex marriage because it is an intolerant agenda that will directly collide with religious freedom," said Staver.
Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics.
