Federal Judge Will Decide Whether Louisiana Should Recognize Same Sex Marriages

A federal judge will hear arguments today on whether Louisiana should recognize same-sex marriages from other states. 

The issue will boil down to how US District Judge Martin Feldman interprets the Supreme Court's decision in the US v Windsor case.

Forum for Equality Louisiana chairman-elect, Chris Otten, says that decision has validated their argument.

"You cannot discriminate against similar groups of people without a sufficient justification," said Otten. "And the state hasn't given any, in our view, has not given any rational justifications to refuse to recognize these marriages."

Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says gay rights advocates don't have a case because the US v Windsor decision allows states to develop their own laws concerning gay marriages.

"Kennedy wrote the opinion that the federal government does not have the prerogative to define marriage for federal purposes because that's a uniquely state prerogative," Mills said. "Well, we're the state that's decided."

Whatever direction Feldman goes, the case is most likely headed to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. Mills is confident the judge will rule against the recognition. He feels same-sex marriage should not be recognized as a legal union between two people.

[via Louisiana Radio Network]