Indiana: Federal Judge Strikes Down State's Marriage Ban

A federal judge in Indiana struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriage Wednesday morning, and it's possible the ruling could take effect immediately, reports the Associated Press.

U.S. District Judge Richard Young is now one of 20 federal and stage judges who have said such state bans are unconstitutional. The decision came after a temporary restraining order was issued in April, which ordered the state of Indiana to respect the marriage of a terminally ill woman and her partner, who are parents to two daughters.

"Judge Young held today that there is no justification for denying same-sex couples the freedom to marry, the latest in a unanimous wave of favorable rulings over the past few months," said Evan Wolfson of Freedom to Marry. "The judge noted the harm marriage discrimination inflicts on Indiana families, while benefiting no one.  With more than 70 marriage cases pending and a strong majority of Americans backing the freedom to marry, today's decision out of the heartland underscores that America is ready for the Supreme Court to bring an end to marriage discrimination once and for all."

It's still unclear whether same-sex couples will be able to marry, because Indiana's attorney general has announced plans to appeal, according to AP.