The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida filed a motion Tuesday asking U.S. District Court Judge Robert Hinkle to lift his stay on gay marriages in the Sunshine State.
Hinkle previously ruled that the state’s gay marriage ban is unconstitutional. A Fort Myers widow and several same sex couples from around the state were part of the legal fight against the ban. However, Hinkle stayed the effects of his ruling until other cases around the country were resolved.
But, this week U.S. Supreme Court justices announced they would not hear appeals from five states seeking to prohibit gay marriage.
ACLU of Florida Spokesman Baylor Johnson said the ruling is a sign the court has a clear position on the issue.
“This is an important signal that they have sent to the entire country,” he said. “So, we are certainly hoping that Governor Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi listened to what the court said and they give up this dead-end campaign to treat some Florida families with less respect and dignity than others.”
According to the Associated Press, Attorney General Pam Bondi will fight the ACLU’s motion.
In a statement, Gov. Rick Scott said, “the Attorney General is defending Florida’s constitution, which is her duty."
"This is a matter that will be decided by the courts," Scott continued. "Whatever the eventual outcome is from the courts, Florida will of course abide with it.”
Johnson said this week’s decision by the country’s highest court should be reason enough for the state to stop defending its ban on gay marriage in court.
