FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 6, 2014
CONTACT: Lindsay Kee, ACLU-TN communications director, 615-320-7142
NASHVILLE – The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit today reversed the district court rulings of six cases from Tennessee, Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky. In each of these states, a federal judge had ruled in favor of marriage for same-sex couples and all six rulings were appealed to the 6th Circuit. Today’s ruling essentially upholds marriage bans in Tennessee, Ohio, Michigan, and Kentucky and denies same sex couples the right to marry or have their marriages recognized in these states.
The following can be attributed to Hedy Weinberg, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee:
"While we are disappointed with today’s ruling, the Supreme Court has made clear in Windsor that same-sex couples and their families are entitled to the same dignity and protections as anyone else. Today is just one step on the road back to the Supreme Court and a decision that will bring the freedom to marry to all fifty states. Marriage is a fundamental right and we will continue to work toward the day when all committed couples in Tennessee who choose to marry are treated equally in the eyes of the law."
