Judge Rules on Two North Dakota Lawsuits for Same Sex Marriage

U.S. District Judge Ralph Erickson has ruled in favor of plaintiffs in two federal lawsuits against North Dakota’s constitutional ban on gay marriage.

Erickson says the state’s ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional and invalid.

The state did not oppose the plaintiffs’ motion.

Meanwhile, Republican leaders say the ruling may do little to extend anti-discrimination protections to gays and lesbians.

Lawmakers have defeated legislation three times in six years to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation.