Judge overturns Montana’s gay marriage ban

“This Court recognizes that not everyone will celebrate this outcome,” Morris wrote. “This decision overturns a Montana Constitutional amendment approved by the voters of Montana. Yet the United States Constitution exists to protect disfavored minorities from the will of the majority.”

In September, the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Idaho and Nevada’s bans are unconstitutional. Montana is part of the 9th Circuit, and Morris cited the appeals court’s opinion in his ruling.

Same-sex couples can now marry in more than 30 states, parts of Kansas and Missouri, and Washington, DC.

The Montana decision comes after four same-sex couples filed a lawsuit in May challenging the state’s ban.

Morris also noted Montana no longer can deprive plaintiffs and other same-sex couples of the chance to marry their loves. He said his ruling was effective immediately.