A motion asking Monroe County Circuit Judge Luis Garcia to lift a stay in his ruling that Florida's ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional has been denied.
A motion asking Monroe County Circuit Judge Luis Garcia to lift a stay in his ruling that Florida's ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional has been denied, reports CBS Miami.
The motion was filed by Key West bartenders Aaron Huntsman and William Lee Jones.
Last week, Garcia ruled that the 2008 constitutional ban on same-sex marriage is discriminatory and violates gay people's right to equal treatment under the law.
However, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who in May asked a federal judge to throw out a lawsuit seeking recognition of out-of-state same-sex marriages, filed a notice of appeal, staying the ruling.
Agreeing with Bondi, Garcia wrote:
“Based on decisions of the United States Supreme Court and other courts to stay proceedings in similar challenges, this court DENIES the Emergency Motion. The automatic stay, currently in place, shall remain in place until completion of appellate proceedings or until further order of the Court.”
Speaking to CBS Miami regarding his concerns about same-sex marriage, Auxiliary Bishop of Miami Peter Baldacchino said “our fear is that the implications of tampering with the language of marriage will have far-reaching implications that can hurt especially the vulnerable.”
However, remaining positive, Huntsman said “whether is happens to tomorrow or if it doesn't, it's going to happen.”
Watch the CBS Miami report on Garcia's ruling, AFTER THE JUMP…
