News (USA)

Federal judge says suit challenging W.Va. gay marriage ban can proceed

Federal judge says suit challenging W.Va. gay marriage ban can proceed

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A federal judge says most of a lawsuit challenging West Virginia’s ban on same-sex marriage can proceed.

West-VirginiaBut U.S. District Judge Robert C. Chambers says one claim can’t proceed without additional plaintiffs. That claim says West Virginia should recognize gay marriages performed in other states.

This week’s ruling came in a lawsuit filed by Lambda Legal on behalf of three same-sex couples and one couple’s child.

The lawsuit says the Kanawha and Cabell county clerks denied the six adults marriage licenses under the state law, effectively denying them benefits. Those include shared health insurance, reduction of tax liabilities and caretaking decision power.

Lambda Legal senior attorney Karen Loewy tells the Charleston Gazette that the gay rights group is considering whether to add plaintiffs to the case.

West Virginia law bans same-sex marriages and does not recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.

© 2014, Associated Press, All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Don't forget to share:

Support vital LGBTQ+ journalism

Reader contributions help keep LGBTQ Nation free, so that queer people get the news they need, with stories that mainstream media often leaves out. Can you contribute today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated

Barneys highlights lives of transgender models in spring ad campaign

Previous article

Gay rights group seeks repeal of Kan. same-sex marriage ban

Next article