Law & Justice

Your Guide To The Legal Battle Over Same Sex Marriage In Idaho

Amber and Rachael filed their lawsuit against Idaho in Nov. 2013. They were married Oct. 15, 2014.In November 2013, eight women -- four couples -- sued the state of Idaho over its 2006 voter-approved constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between one man and one woman.The plaintiffs, Susan Latta and Traci Ehlers, Lori Watsen and Sharene Watsen, Shelia Robertson and Andrea Altmayer, and Amber Beierle and Rachael Robertson, say Idaho's ban on same-sex marriage violates equal protection and due process guarantees.Two of the couples have been legally married in other states and two have tried to get Idaho marriage licenses and been denied.Their case went to U.S. Magistrate Judge Candy Dale in May 2014. On May 13, eight days after Dale heard the case, she struck down Idaho's same-sex marriage ban.Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter and Attorney General Lawrence Wasden appealed that ruling in an effort to uphold Idaho's Constitution as approved by voters in 2006.On Oct. 7, 2014, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Dale's ruling, striking down Idaho's ban on same-sex marriage. After more than a week of legal challenges, same-sex marriages began Oct. 15, 2014 in Idaho.

Judge To Hear Arguments Against Florist Who Declined Gay Couple

NWNews | By Jessica Robinson,

Jessica Robinson

Published December 18, 2014 at 5:51 PM MST

The state of Washington is suing Richland florist Barronelle Stutzman for declining service to a gay couple.

A closely watched court case dealing with whether religious business-owners must provide services to gay couples is headed to oral arguments Friday in Kennewick, Washington.

Barronelle Stutzman said she was following her religious convictions in 2013 when she declined to do the flower arrangements for a gay couple’s wedding.

The state of Washington said she was violating state consumer protection laws.

The two sides will have a chance to lay out their arguments before a superior court judge in Benton County.

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson said state attorneys will show it’s a clear case of discrimination.

Barronelle Stutzman, owner of Arlene's Flowers, declined to do the arrangements for Robert Ingersoll and Curt Freed's wedding in 2013.

“When it comes to running a business you cannot discriminate against someone based on their religion, based on their race, based on their age, or in this case, based on their sexual orientation,” Ferguson said. “And unfortunately, that’s what she did here.”

Stutzman’s attorneys said by bringing the case the state is trying to force her to use her creative skills to advance a message she doesn’t believe in.

The state’s suit against Stutzman will be heard alongside a second lawsuit brought by the ACLU on behalf of the couple she declined service.

Stutzman could have to pay a $2,000 fine and attorneys fees if the state wins.

There is no deadline for Judge Alex Ekstrom to make his ruling on the case. Ekstrom could also opt to send the case to trial.

Ferguson said he expects the case to ultimately be decided at the state Supreme Court.

The Arlene’s Flowers case has become a rallying point for people on the religious right. The conservative Family Policy Institute of Washington is asking people to rally in support of Stutzman outside the courthouse in Kennewick.

Judge To Hear Arguments Against Florist Who Declined Gay Couple

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