Trooper, partner challenging SC's gay marriage ban

[n2doc]

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) -
A Highway Patrol trooper and her partner will be the first South Carolinians to challenge the state's constitutional amendment banning gay marriage and civil unions in the wake of the US Supreme Court's landmark decision striking down parts of the federal Defense of Marriage Act.

Trooper Katherine Bradacs and Tracie Goodwin and their attorney, John Nichols, filed a lawsuit in US District Court on Aug. 28.

The suit challenges the Palmetto State's Defense of Marriage Law and a 2007 amendment to the state constitution. They both ban same sex marriage and recognition of those marriages performed outside the state.

"By defining marriage in this way, South Carolina discriminates on the basis of sex," said the suit. "The Supreme Court has made clear that perpetuation of traditional gender roles is not a legitimate government interest."

The suit goes even further, saying the state's laws on same-sex marriage fail "any level of constitutional scrutiny."

"Neither traditional nor moral disapproval of same-sex relationships or marriage for gay and lesbian couples is a legitimate basis for unequal treatment of same-sex couples under the law," said the suit.

more

http://www.wistv.com/story/23318633/meet-the-couple-challenging-scs-gay-marriage-ban

[joeybee12]

1. This will be a long slog...

I assume the local courts are made up of assholes, then the federal courts covering SC are hghly partisan...it will have to go to the Supreme Court eventually, I think.

[QSkier]

2. Brave people like this will change our nation.

Thanks to people like this, we move forward toward justice for all.