LITTLE ROCK, AR_On Friday, the Pulaski County Circuit Judge Chris Piazza released his decision striking down the Arkansas Constitutional Amendment 83 which defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
The Arkansas Initiative for Marriage Equality issued this statement in response:
“Yesterday, we saw the Constitution of the United States of America put into action. Time and time again in cases concerning the issue of same-sex marriage, the 14th Amendment has been utilized to equally protect the citizens of this great country. Today we rejoice as same-sex couples in Eureka Springs received their marriage licenses.
After working tirelessly since November of 2012 to prepare and circulate a petition to put same-sex marriage on the ballot in 2016, the Arkansas Initiative for Marriage Equality will be taking a step back to discuss their next steps as this case gets appealed. The Arkansas Initiative for Marriage Equality plans to continue the push for LGBT rights in Arkansas. We want to thank our volunteers who have gathered thousands of signatures for this initiative. We also want to thank the people that made this case on same-sex marriage possible in Arkansas.
As for now, we will be holding a rally and press conference at the Pulaski County Courthouse at 7:00am on Monday, May 12, 2014 as same-sex couples attempt to obtain marriage licenses. Ordained ministers will be present for on-the-spot marriages.”