Judge strikes down Utah`s same-sex marriage ban

Salt Lake City: A US judge has struck down Utah`s same-sex marriage ban, saying it is unconstitutional. Yesterday`s ruling says Utah`s law passed by voters in 2004 violates gay and lesbian couples` rights to equal protection.

Attorneys for the state argued that Utah`s law promotes the "optimal mode of child-rearing." The lawsuit was brought by three gay and lesbian couples. Similar challenges are pending in other states, but Utah`s is closely watched because of its history of opposition to gay marriage as home of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It`s unclear what the immediate effect would be, because the state can appeal.