The U.S. Supreme Court announced Monday morning that they would not move forward with same-sex marriage appeals in five states, which looked to make the unions illegal. The decision allows same-sex couples to begin applying for marriage licenses in their state. It could also mean same-sex marriage is coming to Kansas.
Back in June, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals struck down bans on same-sex marriage in both Utah and Oklahoma. Appeals brought before the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse those rulings were turned away, effectively making same-sex marriage legal in those states.
“Kansas is part of the 10th Circuit [Court of Appeals], which is the same circuit as the Utah and Oklahoma case.”
Thomas Witt of Kansas Equality explains that because Kansas is also part of the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, same-sex marriage in the state could be on the horizon, but he’s not certain when it will happen.
“Quite frankly, what I feel like right now is the little kid in the backseat of the car, asking, 'Are we there yet? Are we there yet?'”
Witt says that same-sex couples in his organization are going to start applying for marriage licenses in Kansas, although they will most likely be turned down. But, if they seek legal action for the right to marry, Monday's decision rules in their favor.