Florida

Bondi Asks Florida Supreme Court for Gay Marriage Ruling: Report

Florida attorney general Pam Bondi has asked the Florida Supreme Court to make a final decision on whether same-sex couples can legally marry in the Sunshine State, according to the Miami Herald.

“That is unquestionably an important issue, and the Plaintiffs, the State, and all citizens deserve a definitive answer,” Bondi wrote in a filing, according to the Herald.

Bondi’s move to have the state Supreme Court weigh in comes after the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear appeals of federal court decisions that struck down anti-gay marriage laws in multiple states. The move put the total number of states allowing same-sex marriage to 30.

There have been multiple decisions striking down the Florida gay marriage ban from state courts. Monroe County Judge Luis Garcia was the first to declare the law unconstitutional. His ruling was followed by judges in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties.

Bondi immediately notified an intent to appeal all of the decisions, which put a stay on the rulings. The attorney general had wanted to wait until the U.S. Supreme Court made a final decision on gay marriage before moving to the state Supreme Court.

According to the Herald, Bondi’s filing Monday stated: “Florida’s courts will therefore need to resolve the issue without further United States Supreme Court guidance. Because there are cases pending in multiple districts, and because this is an issue of great public importance that now warrants immediate Florida Supreme Court review, the State respectfully suggests pass-through certification.”

Contact Us