With judge’s order, same-sex marriage now legally recognized in conservative Kentucky state

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A U.S. federal judge has signed an order directing officials in Kentucky to immediately recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states and countries.

Judge John G. Heyburn II on Thursday issued a final order throwing out part of the state’s ban on gay marriages. The order makes official his Feb. 12 ruling that Kentucky’s ban on same-sex marriages treated “gay and lesbian persons differently in a way that demeans them.”

The order means same-sex couples may change their names on official identifications and documents and obtain any other benefits of a married couple in Kentucky. The order doesn’t affect a related lawsuit seeking to force the state to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

Kentucky’s attorney general has asked for a delay, which hasn’t been ruled upon.

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