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Same-Sex Marriages From Other States Must Be Recognized In Missouri, Judge Rules

AP  |  By BILL DRAPER
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A judge struck down part of Missouri's gay marriage ban for the first time on Friday by ordering the state to recognize same-sex marriages legally performed in other states, saying state laws banning the unions single out gay couples "for no logical reason."

The order means such couples will be eligible to sign up for a wide range of tax, health insurance, veterans and other benefits now afforded to opposite-sex married couples. Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster, who has defended the state's ban on gay marriage, said his office was reviewing the ruling.
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In Missouri, Youngs said he expects the state Supreme Court to "provide the last word on all of the important legal issues presented by this case."

Same-sex marriage is now legal in 19 states and the District of Columbia. The ACLU has cases pending against 13 other states with such bans, including five cases currently before federal appeals courts.

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Missouri Same Sex Marriage Missouri Gay Marriage Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster Gay Marriage Recognizing Gay Marriage

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