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We have a schedule for the appeal of AFER's victory in Virginia, and it's moving at a
breakneck pace. Plus huge victories this week in Illinois and Texas. A trial continues in
Michigan, and we have new polling data in numerous states, and it's all good news.
For the American Foundation for Equal Rights, I'm Matt Baume, and welcome to Marriage News
Watch for March 3rd, 2014.
We have new details this week on the appeal of AFER's huge victory in Virginia. Clerks
in Norfolk and Prince William Counties will appeal the ruling. The case is now on an expedited
briefing schedule. The clerks have until April 7 to file opening briefs. AFER's response
is due May 9th. And a reply to that is due within fourteen days.
And while the Virginia case moves along, we've had major victories elsewhere. A judge in
Illinois ruled that Cook County must begin issuing marriage licenses immediately, rather
than waiting until June. Several other counties have followed suit, and marriages are underway
across the state.
We also had a colossal victory in Texas. A federal judge there ruled denying marriage
licenses to gay and lesbian couples is unconstitutional. The decision is stayed pending appeal, but
it's still a very big deal, since it wasn't an ordinary ruling. It was a ruling on a motion
for preliminary injunction. That basically means that the anti-gay law was causing irreparable
harm, and that the plaintiffs are highly likely to win in the end. The case still has a long
way to go, but this is as promising a milestone as we could have hoped for.
A trial is underway in Michigan to determine the constitutionality of that state's marriage
ban. Arguments could go on for at least another week.
And we have ton of new polling data this week, and as always, every state shows an increase
in support. Support continues to grow nationally as well, with 38 surveys now showing a majority
of Americans favor the freedom to marry. Our opponents haven't polled over 50% since 2010.
Support is at 55 percent to 41 percent in Oregon, where marriage equality will appear
on the ballot in November. And it's at 53 to 38 percent in Ohio, where a ballot measure
is still in play.
California support has reached 59 percent. Florida has support at 57 to 37 percent as
several couples file a brand new lawsuit. In Illinois, support is at 52 percent to 39
percent, just in time for weddings. In North Carolina, it's 47 to 48 percent. In Pennsylvania,
where multiple lawsuits are working their way through the courts, PRRI shows support
at 61 percent to 35 percent.
And support's strong in Virginia, as we head into the appeal of our victory: 52 percent
to 42 percent.
Those are the headlines. Subscribe here on YouTube to stay up to date on all these stories.
At the American Foundation for Equal Rights, I'm Matt Baume. See you next week.