Attorneys for gay couples and the state of Florida squared off at a hearing on a lawsuit challenging Florida's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.
Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Sarah Zabel heard arguments Wednesday afternoon in the high-profile case. After she heard the arguments she said she would announce her decision soon, but there would be no decision Wednesday.
Like others filed across the country, the lawsuit contends the gay marriage ban added by voters to the state constitution is discriminatory and violates equal protection guarantees.
Six same sex couples and the group Equality Florida Institute filed the lawsuit.
Central Florida residents Lisa Brown and Dawn Kallio have been together for 17 years, and traveled to Washington DC to get married last year.
“We would have loved to have our wedding here in the state and had a big reception, but unfortunately not being able to get married here sent us somewhere else to spend our money,” Kallio said.
Attorney General Pam Bondi's office counters that a single judge should not overturn the amendment that passed in 2008. Bondi's attorneys also argue the U.S. Supreme Court has left marriage definitions to the states.
Matiland-based group Florida Family Policy Council is also fighting to keep the ban in place.
“The right thing for the stand point of the court is to enforce the law of the constitution," said FPPC president John Stemberger. "It’s very clear in Florida that marriage is between one man and one woman… a lot of the institutions of society have bought into the intimidation of people who identify as gay rights activists. They have created an environment of hostility.”
Zabel is being asked strike down the same-sex marriage ban before a trial.
Same Sex Marriage is legal in 18 states and the District of Columbia. Opponents have already pledged to appeal any decision that lifts Florida's ban.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.