A Missouri judge struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriage Wednesday, ruling it unconstitutional.
St. Louis Circuit Judge Rex Burlison said in his ruling, "that any same sex couple that satisfies all the requirements for marriage under Missouri law, other than being of different sexes, is legally entitled to a marriage license." (Video via KMOV)
Right after the ruling, KSDK says a handful of same-sex couples rushed to St. Louis City Hall to obtain marriage licenses. St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay and members of the American Civil Liberties Union were reportedly on hand as well. (Video via KSDK)
The ruling stems from June, when the city went against Missouri's ban by issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, which lead to a state lawsuit and a legal battle over the states' 10-year ban on gay marriage. (Video via KTVI)
This is the second big victory for proponents of same-sex marriage in the Midwest in the past two days.
A federal judge ruled Kansas's ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional on Tuesday.
Judges in Missouri and Kansas follow those in Alaska, Arizona and Wyoming in striking down their states' ban on gay marriage in the past month.
Missouri's attorney general said he plans to appeal the ruling to the state's supreme court but did not request a stay.
