US: ACLU to file lawsuit to protect marriages of 500 Wisconsin gay, married couples

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The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in the US state of Wisconsin is preparing to file a lawsuit which will aim to protect, and have recognised, the more than 500 marriages of same-sex couples.

US District Judge Barbara Crabb struck down the state’s same-sex marriage ban on Friday 6 June, leading to some counties issuing marriage licences immediately, and allowing more than 500 gay and lesbian couples to wed.

However, after Attorney General JB Van Hollen appealed, on Friday 13 June Crabb agreed to halt her ruling, stopping all new marriages until the appeal concludes.

Now the ACLU plans to file a lawsuit, should Van Hollen file a new appeal against the ruling, and if he aims to nullify the marriages of those 500+ couples.

“We feel the state’s refusal to recognize these marriages violates these individuals’ due process right to remain married,” said Molly Collins, associate director of the ACLU of Wisconsin. “All couples married under Wisconsin law should be able to remain married.”

Van Hollen’s office has confirmed that he may file an appeal soon, and that the situation for couples married before Judge Crabb’s ruling was put on hold was “uncertain”.

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