News & Commentary

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals today upheld the district court decision that the discriminatory amendment to the Wisconsin state constitution preventing same-sex couples from marrying is unconstitutional. The decision will go into effect in 21 days, unless the defendants seek a stay of the ruling.  The American Civil Liberties Union had challenged the law on behalf of eight couples seeking the freedom to marry in Wisconsin or to have their out-of-state marriages recognized.

MICHAEL TARM Associated Press

CHICAGO — A U.S. appeals court in Chicago has ruled that gay marriage bans in Wisconsin and Indiana are unconstitutional.

HICAGO - The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Thursday against Wisconsin's same-sex marriage ban.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A U.S. appeals court ruled Thursday that same-sex marriage bans in Wisconsin and Indiana violate the U.S. Constitution. Here are five things to know about the ruling:

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Here's what some Wisconsin residents are saying about Thursday's U.S. appeals court ruling that same-sex marriage bans in Wisconsin and Indiana violate the U.S. Constitution:

By Andrew Harris and Sophia Pearson

The Wisconsin Attorney General's Office tells Action 2 News it intends to appeal Thursday's appellate court ruling knocking down Wisconsin's gay marriage ban to the nation's highest court. “The Attorney General has always believed that this case will ultimately be decided by the United States Supreme Court. The stay remains in effect until all appeals have been concluded.” The State has the option of taking the appeal to the entire ten-judge panel of the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, but is passing on that option. It has 90 days to petition the Supreme Court. The ACLU says the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals mandate will take effect in 21 days unless a motion to stay that decision is filed.