Same-Sex Marriage Allowed; No Takers Here Yet

It was a day for Montana's history books. While the topic is still controversial and will likely face another battle in court, U.S. District Court of Montana Judge Brian Morris ruled in favor of four same-sex couples who were suing for marriage on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

His decision led to several marriages in the last week of same sex couples celebrating the decision. Yellowstone County saw some of the first marriages in the state for same-sex couples. It also had some controversy as a few clerks refused to marry couples, but they were told by a judge they could not deny same-sex couples.

Valley County did not see any same-sex marriages at the courthouse, but for now it's a possibility. Several statements were released by state politicians shortly after the decision was made. Senators Jon Tester and John Walsh favored the decision, along with Gov. Steve Bullock, who said, “Decision ensures we are closer to fulfilling our promise of freedom, dignity and equality for all Montanans.”

U.S. Rep. Steve Daines stated that the judge ignored the voters of Montana, who voted against same-sex marriage.

Jeff Laszloffy, the Montana Family Foundation president, also released a statement of disdain. He stated that 70 percent of Montana voters shut down Montana's Marriage Amendment and the courts nullified those votes. He also stated that the U.S. Supreme Court may still take up the issue of redefining marriage, but the courts made that decision for the voters.

Meanwhile, the ACLU held celebrations in Missoula, Helena, Billings and Great Falls last week for same-sex couples.

“It's a great day for Montana,” ACLU of Montana Executive Director Scott Crichton said in a released statement. “The ACLU has worked for decades to ensure the rights of LGBT people are protected and respected. We are humbled to be a part of this history-making moment.”

Attorney General Tim Fox stated that he would appeal the ruling.

“It is the attorney general’s sworn duty to uphold and defend Montana’s constitution until such time as there is no further review or no appeal can be made in a court of law,” Fox said in his statement. “Fulfilling that duty, the state of Montana will appeal this ruling in light of the fact that there are conflicting federal court decisions and no final word from the U.S. Supreme Court.”

Montana is now one of 32 states that allow same-sex marriage. The Montana Department of Revenue commented that ruling would effect tax returns, as same-sex couples who marry are considered married in their income taxes.

While voters, legislators and the courts duke it out, a study was released in October on what kind of economic impact the ruling could have. The Williams Institute released a study that estimated 674 marriages would take place. Wedding spending was estimated over $3.4 million, with an additional $1 million for out-of-state guest spending coming into the state. The combined total estimated was over $4.4 million. An estimated 20-60 jobs could be created for related weddings.

The spending was estimated over a three year period of time, with the first year possibly seeing a $2.9 million boost. An estimated 431 marriages are estimated the first year, 142 in the second and 101 the third.