Editorial Of The Day

From the editorial board of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch:

Just like that, Missouri became the 33rd state in the nation (along with the District of Columbia) to recognize the fundamental right of marriage equality, regardless of sexual orientation. This is a victory for freedom that should be celebrated. So, too, should the fact that [Attorney General] Koster appealed the ruling.

It’s not because he disagrees with the judge — he does not. Mr. Koster has made it clear he supports constitutional protections for gay and lesbian couples to have the same access to marriage, and the civil benefits allowed in the law, as heterosexual couples. But in the aftermath of Judge Burlison’s ruling, only the city of St. Louis, and St. Louis County, began immediately processing marriage licenses for gay couples. Most other counties in the state are taking a “wait-and-see” approach.

Therefore, the appeal to the Missouri Supreme Court is necessary so that the freedoms taken in by four St. Louis couples in June, and numerous others on Wednesday and Thursday in the city of St. Louis, can be shared by gay couples who live elsewhere in Missouri. The hope here is that the Supreme Court takes up the case quickly. Its conclusion is not in doubt.