Regional Public Journalism
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
The N3 team.At the Northwest News Network it has been our honor to bring you stories that matter in 2014. We look forward to serving you in 2015 and beyond.-- Phyllis, Anna, Chris, Jessica, Tom and Austin

Gay Marriage In Idaho Cleared To Start Wednesday Morning

Laura Flowers

Same-sex couples in Idaho can start getting married and have those marriages legally recognized by the state starting Wednesday morning.

Judges from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals said their ruling in favor of gay marriage takes effect at 9 a.m. Pacific or 10 Mountain time this Wednesday.

In court briefs, Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden concluded further attempts keep gay marriage on hold would likely be unsuccessful in light of the Supreme Court’s recent decision not to consider cases involving bans in other states.

This latest round in court follows a week of legal back-and-forth during which at least seven couples in Moscow, Idaho and one couple in Twin Falls received marriage licenses amid the confusion.

Idaho Governor Butch Otter sought Supreme Court intervention last week after the 9th Circuit ruled Idaho’s voter-passed gay marriage ban is unconstitutional. However, Idaho’s attorney general leaves the door open to future appeals. He said the state still holds its position that Idaho’s law is valid.

In a separate letter, Governor Butch Otter argued the court should keep gay marriage on hold while he asks a larger panel of judges to reconsider the case.