Federal Judge issues final order striking down Louisiana’s marriage ban.
U.S. District Court Judge Martin Feldman has complied with an order from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and issued a final judgment in favor of the plaintiffs in Robicheaux v. Caldwell striking down Louisiana’s discriminatory marriage ban. On July 1st, the Fifth Circuit reversed Judge Feldman’s earlier ruling upholding the ban and ordered him to issue the judgment by July 17.
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal stated after the historic ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in Obergefell v. Hodges that he would await the Fifth Circuit ruling in Robicheaux before ordering state agencies to comply with issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
Lambda Legal Senior Counsel Kenneth D. Upton issued the following statement: “With this order, Governor Jindal has run out of excuses for delaying recognition of same-sex couples’ right to get married and have their marriages recognized. Enough is enough.
After the Supreme Court decision, it was a foregone conclusion that the Fifth Circuit would reverse Judge Feldman. We were thrilled that the Fifth Circuit moved so quickly to do so, and that should have been that.
“There never was, and certainly no longer remains, any legal or moral justification for forcing same-sex couples in Louisiana to wait any longer to have their love and commitment recognized by the state. Further delay by Governor Jindal not only is cruel and capricious, but places him in contempt of court.
One of our plaintiffs is facing serious health concerns, and other same-sex couples throughout Louisiana may be facing urgent needs for the security and protections that marriage provides.
“Once again, we call on Governor Jindal to keep his promise and order state agencies to comply fully with their obligations,” Upton continued. “Governor Jindal, keep your word.”
Read the ruling here