News & Commentary

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.

CHICAGO (AP) -- A U.S. appeals court in Chicago has ruled that gay marriage bans in Wisconsin and Indiana are unconstitutional.    Thursday's decision by a three-judge panel at the U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals bumps the number of states where gay marriage will be legal from 19 to 21. The decision was unanimous.    The Wisconsin and Indiana cases shifted to Chicago after their attorneys general appealed separate lower court rulings in June tossing the bans. The 7th Circuit stayed those rulings pending its own decision.    During oral arguments in August, one judge appointed by a Republican likened same-sex marriage bans to laws once barring interracial marriage. Judge Richard Posner said they derived from "hate ... and savage discrimination" of gays.    The states argued the prohibitions helped foster a centuries-old tradition. Here is a statement from Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen's office:

CHICAGO —Federal appeals judges bristled Tuesday at arguments defending gay marriage bans in Indiana and Wisconsin, with one Republican appointee comparing them to now-defunct laws that once outlawed weddings between blacks and whites.

By Judith Davidoff