CINCINNATI (AP) A U.S. judge said Friday that he will order Ohio to recognize out-of-state gay marriages, a move that strikes down part of the state's ban on gay marriages but stops short of forcing it to perform same-sex weddings.
The push to legalize same-sex marriage has rapidly gained momentum in the United States, but it remains a divisive issue. Gay marriage is legal in 17 states and in Washington, D.C. Federal judges have struck down bans in Michigan, Utah, Texas, Oklahoma and Virginia, and ordered Kentucky and Tennessee to recognize out-of-state gay marriages, though stays have been issued pending appeals.
Both sides of the debate expect the U.S. Supreme Court to ultimately resolve the issue.
Judge Timothy Black announced his intentions in federal court in Cincinnati following final arguments in a lawsuit that challenged the constitutionality of the marriage ban. He said he based his decision on the fact that not recognizing out-of-state gay marriages denied their "fundamental right to marry a person of their choosing and the right to remain married."
Black said he will issue the ruling April 14.