ARKANSAS: Judge Says He'll Rule On Marriage Equality Suit In Two Weeks

After hearing a marriage equality case, yesterday an Arkansas state judge said that he'll issue his ruling in two weeks.

Colin Jorgensen, an assistant attorney general arguing for the state, said Amendment 83, the anti-gay marriage measure, does not conflict with the state Constitution. Jorgenson said that at no point in the state's history has an amendment been knocked down on the grounds that it violated the Arkansas Constitution. "The people of Arkansas can put whatever they want in the Constitution. The only check on that is the U.S. Constitution," Jorgenson said. The courtroom was packed with same-sex couples, many of whom were among the plaintiffs challenging the constitutionality of the measure. Circuit Judge Chris Piazza said at the conclusion of the hearing that he will issue a ruling in about two weeks.

If the judge rules for the plaintiffs and does not issue a stay, Arkansas could see a situation somewhat similar to that seen recently in New Mexico, as the suit only targets officials in two counties.