MISSISSIPPI: Marriage Case Rests After State “Stumbles” In Anti-Gay Arguments

Via the Clarion-Ledger:

New York-based attorney Roberta Kaplan presented a rapid-fire case for her clients, which include two Mississippi same-sex couples with children: Carla Webb and Joce Pritchett; and Rebecca Bickett and Andrea Sanders. At times excusing herself for speaking too quickly, Kaplan rattled off her reasons why she believes the state’s gay-marriage ban violates the constitution and her clients’ rights and padded her arguments with documented case law. Kaplan’s style was sharply contrasted by that of lead counsel for the state, Justin Matheny, who at times seemed to stumble through his arguments and admitted an unfamiliarity with many of the issues at hand. “When I found out I would be the one to come to court and argue this case, I had to do some research,” Matheny said near the opening of his remarks, eliciting a chuckle or two from the packed courtroom.

Judge: “What is the state’s rational basis that same-sex couples can’t marry and its prohibition of same sex couples from adopting children when all a child wants is to be loved, and they don’t care by whom?” Matheny: “Responsible procreation.” Judge: “You allow people in prison to be married, and there are no more conjugal visits. Old people can marry and they can’t bear children.” Yeah, we’ve got this one.