LITTLE ROCK (KFSM) – A new motion filed in the gay marriage case before the Arkansas Supreme Court requests that gay couples be allowed to marry once more, according to court documents.
The motion requests that a stay placed on Pulaski County Circuit Judge Chris Piazza’s ruling (which struck down the state’s gay marriage ban) by the Arkansas Supreme Court be lifted, court documents state. Piazza’s ruling came in May 2014 and was followed by a stay being issued by the Arkansas Supreme Court a few days later. In July, the Arkansas Supreme Court agreed to take up the same-sex marriage lawsuit.
“A continuation of the stay only perpetuates the ongoing and irreparable dignitary, legal, financial and practical harms suffered by the plaintiffs-appellees that cannot be redressed by money damages or subsequent court order including, but certainly not limited to:
- The right to make health decisions for the other spouse
- The right to support
- The right to equal distribution of property obtained during marriage
- The right to claim an elective share of a spouses estate
- The right to share in employment benefits
- All rights of both parents regarding children born during the relationship
- The right to claim a deceased spouses body”
“This court should not allow any unnecessary continuation of the deprivation of plaintiffs’ constitutional rights,” the motion states.
The Arkansas Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Nov. 20, 2014, but on Jan. 23, Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge requested a second oral argument in the case.
To read the motion, click here.
