Kentucky Rep. John Yarmuth Applauds Gay Marriage Ruling

Kentucky Rep. John Yarmuth, a Democrat, on Tuesday applauded a ruling striking down Kentucky's ban on gay marriage.

U.S. District Judge John G. Heyburn II found the restrictive marriage ban unconstitutional in a 19-page ruling.

Heyburn, who was appointed to the bench by President George H. W. Bush in 1992, put his ruling on hold.

(Related: Federal judge strikes down Kentucky's gay marriage ban.)

“Judge Heyburn's ruling striking down Kentucky's marriage ban affirms once again that there is no government interest in discrimination against same-sex couples,” Yarmuth, 66, said in a statement.

“I am proud our Commonwealth has joined the growing list of states recognizing the right to marry applies to all citizens,” he added.