The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments this spring from three states, including Missouri, defending same-sex marriage bans.
Tuesdays announcement granting consideration of an appeal challenging South Dakota's same-sex marriage ban combined with cases the Court is considering from Arkansas and Missouri was met with resolve from equality advocates.
"All loving couples in Missouri should have the opportunity to wed and the three court decisions about marriage equality in Missouri have ruled in that vein," said Kyle Piccola, Senior Field Organizer for PROMO, Missouri's statewide LGBT advocacy organization.
U.S. District Court Judge Ortrie D. Smith declaried, Nov. 7, Missouri’s ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional. While the Lawson v Kelly decision was stayed pending appeal by Attorney General Chris Koster, Jackson County — whose Recorder of Deeds was named as defendant — immediately began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples in the Kansas City metro area.
"We hope the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals upholds those decisions and rules to extend the rights and privileges only marriage can afford to everyone who wishes to make that commitment," said Piccola. "Now is the time to end the ban and Missouri's gray area. This would be a step forward for our country and most importantly, the people of Missouri."
All three states are appealing federal judges’ decisions to overturn same-sex marriage bans.
Oral arguments will be the week of May 11 in Omaha, Nebraska. The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in April and is expected to issue a June decision as to whether gay couples can marry nationwide.