© 2024 Kansas City Public Radio
NPR in Kansas City
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

ACLU To Challenge Kansas Same-Sex Marriage Ban

The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas appears to be close to filing a lawsuit aimed at overturning the Kansas ban on same sex marriage. The suit could come as soon as next week.

Johnson County, Kansas, has attracted a lot of attention after a judge there ordered workers to begin issuing marriage licenses to same sex couples. But Doug Bonney, with the ACLU of Kansas, says it doesn't look like other counties are following suit.

Initially, same sex couples in some counties were being told they couldn't even apply for a marriage license. Bonney says now, it appears couples are being given applications.

"And then either told to return at the end of the three day waiting period, or in some counties they're being told either immediately, or within a little while, that their application is denied," says Bonney.

Bonney says some of the people denied will become plaintiffs in the lawsuit. This week, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said he will defend the state ban on same sex marriage against any lawsuits.

As the Kansas News Service managing editor, I help our statewide team of reporters find the important issues and breaking news that impact people statewide. We refine our daily stories to illustrate the issues and events that affect the health, well-being and economic stability of the people of Kansas. Email me at skoranda@kcur.org.
KCUR serves the Kansas City region with breaking news and award-winning podcasts.
Your donation helps keep nonprofit journalism free and available for everyone.