Washington– Today Utah U.S. District Judge Robert Shelby denied a request by state officials to stay his historic ruling from last week that struck down Utah’s ban on marriage for lesbian and gay couples.  Across the country, another federal judge in Ohio ruled that the state must recognize an out of state marriage for the purpose of a death certificate.  While the Ohio ruling is limited to the circumstances in a case brought by James Obergefell and John Arthur, the Judge wrote that “once you get married in one state, another state cannot summarily take your marriage away…”

Human Rights Campaign (HRC) President Chad Griffin issued the following statement: 

“Across the country, our judicial system is standing up for the fundamental equality guaranteed to LGBT people by the United States Constitution.  In Utah the images of happy couples making lifelong commitments show that marriage equality is about allowing every person to experience the joys of this cherished institution.  In Ohio, we see the promise realized that soon no government can stand in the way of the bonds forged in sickness and health.  In the midst of this holiday season we share in the joy experienced by those finally grasping the freedom and equality they deserve.”

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.