Judge Strikes Indiana Gay-Marriage Ban

U.S. District Judge Richard Young ruled Wednesday that Indiana’s ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional because it violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution. Couples can begin marrying immediately, as there was no stay issued. The state attorney general’s office says it will appeal the decision. There have been multiple rulings against gay-marriage bans in 2013, but several are on hold pending appeal. Meanwhile, a federal appeals court also upheld on Wednesday a previous Utah judge’s ruling that the state’s gay-marriage ban is unconsitutional.