The governor of Montana and the state's
chief law enforcement officer are at odds over a ruling striking down
the state's ban on gay marriage.
On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Brian
Morris declared the state's decade-old ban invalid and several gay
couples were issued marriage licenses. Most counties are expected to
begin issuing marriage licenses to gay couples starting on Thursday.
Democratic Governor Steve Bullock
cheered the ban's fall and promised its quick implementation in a
statement.
“Today’s decision ensures we are
closer to fulfilling our promise of freedom, dignity, and equality
for all Montanans,” Bullock said. “It is a day to celebrate our
progress, while recognizing the qualities that bind us as Montanans:
a desire to make a good life for ourselves and our families, while
providing greater opportunities to the next generation. I have
instructed my administration to quickly take all appropriate steps to
ensure that we are recognizing and affording the same rights and
responsibilities to legally married same-sex couples that all married
Montanans have long enjoyed.”
On the other hand, Attorney General Tim
Fox, a Republican, vowed to fight the ruling, though he said he would
allow gay couples to marry as an appeal is pursued.
“It is the attorney general’s sworn
duty to uphold and defend Montana’s constitution until such time as
there is no further review or no appeal can be made in a court of
law,” Fox said. “Fulfilling that duty, the state of Montana will
appeal this ruling in light of the fact that there are conflicting
federal court decisions and no final word from the U.S. Supreme
Court.”