'Definitive' Answer on Florida Same-Sex Marriages Coming Soon?

Floridians looking for a definitive answer on the constitutionality of the state’s ban on same-sex marriage might not have to wait too much longer to hear it.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has changed gears a bit and is now asking the Florida Supreme Court to issue a ruling in the matter. Bondi had long contended she wanted to get the answer straight from the U.S. Supreme Court, but since that body recently announced it wouldn’t hear similar cases out of five other states, she’s moved on.

The change of direction became evident Monday when Bondi filed with the state’s 3rd District Court of Appeal, according to The Tampa Tribune. She’s asking the Florida Supreme Court to provide a “definitive answer.”

At issue is the 2008 voter-approved Florida constitutional amendment that effectively banned same-sex marriages within the state. That amendment has been shot down by several circuit judges this year, who have said it violated the U.S. Constitution. U.S. District Judge Robert L. Hinkle also ruled against the amendment in August. He said it violates the 14th amendment, which grants equal protection.

Despite his ruling, Hinkle opted not to open the floodgates for same-sex marriage. He stayed the effective date of his order to give those wishing to appeal his decision a chance to do so.

How soon the state court will address the issue remains unclear.

What do you think should happen here? Is it time to remove the ban on same-sex marriage? Share your thoughts by commenting below!

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See Also:

• Same-Sex Marriage Ban: Should Florida Give Up the Fight?
• Florida’s Same-Sex Marriage Battle Not Over Yet
• Federal Judge: Florida’s Ban on Gay Marriage Unconstitutional
• State Ban on Gay Marriage Unconstitutional, 3rd Judge Says
• U.S. Rep. Jolly Announces Support of Gay Marriage
• Same-Sex Marriage: Supreme Court or Bust?
• Song Calls Out Florida Attorney General on Gay Marriage
• Same-Sex Marriage Now Legal in Florida Keys