A 3rd Florida circuit-court has ruled that the state’s same-sex marriage ban is unconstitutional. Broward County Judge Dale Cohen issued the ruling, stating that the state laws barring same-sex marriage and the recognition of same-sex marriages performed out of state violate the US Constitution.

Cohen issued an immediate stay on his ruling pending a state appeal.

“Every win in court brings us closer than we’ve ever been to the freedom to marry in Florida… We look forward to the day when all loving, committed couples and their families enjoy the same protections, opportunities and responsibilities of marriage under the law. Every passing day inflicts real hardships on families who are denied the legal protection and dignity that marriage equality provides.”

Nadine Smith, CEO of Equality Florida

A Florida Keys judge ruled in favour of same-sex marriage on 17 July, along side a Miami-Dade County judge on 26 July. In late July, the 3rd District Court of Appeals refused to allow same-sex marriage licenses to be issued while state appeals are being processed.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has appealed both rulings, and is expected to appeal Broward County’s ruling.