Utah may not “constitutionally deny a citizen the benefit or protection of the laws of the State based solely upon the sex of the person that citizen chooses to marry.”

Wonderful news today with a decision (finally) from the 10th Circuit Court in Denver striking down Utah’s same-sex marriage ban! I heard the breaking news on KRCL this morning while I was brushing my teeth and nearly spit out my toothpaste. Now following more closely with Fox 13's Ben Winslow. Here's the gist of todays decision:

Fox 13 News | SALT LAKE CITY — A federal appeals court has overturned Utah’s Amendment 3, which defined marriage as solely between a man and a woman.

In a ruling just handed down, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said Utah may not “constitutionally deny a citizen the benefit or protection of the laws of the State based solely upon the sex of the person that citizen chooses to marry.”

The court also decided to stay their mandate pending an appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States. In other words, same-sex marriages in Utah will not begin right away.  The Supreme Court will first decide whether or not to hear the case.  If they decide not to, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling will stand.

There's going to be a huge rally for equality tonight at City Creek Park to celebrate with all the organizations who've made this possible, hosted by Utah Unites for Marriage:

WHO: You, your family and friends!
WHERE: City Creek Park 110 N State St Salt Lake City, Utah 84103
WHEN: 7 PM on the day the 10th Circuit rules
INFO: http://www.utahunites.org/decisiondayblog/