The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has rescheduled oral arguments in the case that will determine whether same-sex Hoosier couples and their families will finally be protected under law. Oral arguments were previous scheduled on Aug. 13; they will now take place on Aug. 26. The court is located in Chicago.
Last month, U.S. District Judge Richard Young overturned Indiana’s ban on same-sex marriage, opening a three-day window where Hoosier couples were eligible to be married. Thousands of couples exchanged their vows, but the Seventh Circuit issued a stay that stopped further marriages.
In addition to couples who were unable to marry during the three-day window, those who are legally married are unsure what protections they currently have. Indiana Gov. Mike Pence instructed state agencies not to recognize these legal marriages, and Attorney General Greg Zoeller is pursuing an appeal of the lower court decision. Briefs in the case are due to the court in early August.
Hoosiers Unite for Marriage (HUM), a statewide effort dedicated to moving marriage forward for all loving and committed couples, is planning several events between now and oral arguments to highlight the importance of the freedom to marry.
“We’re excited that the court has set a new date for oral arguments and that they are continuing to move quickly on this case that directly affects so many Hoosier families,” said HUM marriage coordinator Kyle Megrath.
“After waiting months, years or even decades, thousands of Hoosiers were finally able to gain recognition under law of their love and commitment, but they have been in limbo as this court case continues to unfold. We are hopeful that the Seventh Circuit will act on their behalf to make certain that their marriages are recognized and that all Hoosiers have the freedom to marry.”
