Supreme Court Allows for Same-Sex Marriage in Wisconsin

In a surprise turn of events, the U.S. Supreme Court declined appeals of federal court rulings in regards to same-sex marriage bans on Monday, requiring Wisconsin, and several other states, to recognize same-sex marriages.

Last summer, Wisconsin began recognizing same-sex marriages; however, the decision was later appealed, and marriages performed during the seven-day period were in a state of legal limbo that ended Monday. According to Chris Abele, Milwaukee County executive, over 500 marriage licenses were issued in the state of Wisconsin during that time frame.

Crowds at the Milwaukee County Courthouse on Monday were abysmal, though. Only two couples were married by 4 p.m. according to the County Clerk. The Milwaukee County Courthouse saw a larger rush when domestic partnerships were recognized in 2009.

Even the opposition was not present at the Courthouse, with only three middle-aged men appearing to protest this Saturday, and no protesters present after the court action on Monday.

Brendan Conway, director of Communications at the Milwaukee County Courthouse, says that gay marriage is now the law of the state. The ability for Wisconsin to ban same-sex marriage is now impossible, and perhaps Milwaukee County residents did not feel the need to rush out for marriage licenses.

“Today 52 percent of Americans live in a state with marriage equality.  One year ago only 30 percent could.  If the other states within the federal appeals court jurisdictions impacted by today’s ruling grant marriage equality, that number will rise to 60 percent,” Chad Griffin, President of the Human Rights Campaign said.

Nearly half of the United States recognizes same sex marriage; 24 states and the District of Columbia have laws in place with 6 more states in the process.

Abele has been active in the recognition of same-sex marriages. Lawsuits were filed against him in the past for paying overtime to state employees in efforts to speed up the process of marriage equality; although, all charges were later dropped upon further consideration.

Looking forward, Abele believes that all states will pass bills allowing gay marriage. He believes accepting same-sex partnerships will push the country forward economically. With college graduates primarily supportive of LGBT rights, Abele believes states with marriage bans will run into hardships obtaining employees.

“Most Americans know it’s a sense of when, not if,” Abele said.

Efforts from LGBT organizations have not come to a stop, as Griffin says the HRC will not decrease efforts for LGBT rights.

“But let me be clear, the complex and discriminatory patchwork of marriage laws that was prolonged today by the Supreme Court is unsustainable.  The only acceptable solution is nationwide marriage equality, and we recommit to ourselves to securing that ultimate victory as soon as possible,” Griffin said.

Abele said he is looking forward to serving witness to his 13th same-sex marriage to come after the Supreme Court’s decision.