The Arkansas Supreme Court released no decision today in the appeal of Circuit Judge Chris Piazza’s ruling invalidating the state’s ban on same-sex marriage.

The case was argued before the court four weeks ago. It is considered unusual for an appeal decision to take this long to decide. The court traditiionally releases decisions every Thursday. The marriage case wasn’t on this morning’s list.

Advertisement

The court has completed regular sessions for the year, but a failure to release an opinion on the customary weekly schedule doesn’t mean the opinion won’t come at another time. Stephanie Harris, the court’s public spokesman, said the decision could come anytime, but she has no information on what the timing might be. It could be before the end of the year or when the new term starts, with a couple of new Supreme Court justices on board.

A federal district judge has also struck down the marriage ban. Attorney General Dustin McDaniel has said he’ll consult with Attorney General-elect Leslie Rutledge and wait for the Arkansas Supreme Court ruling before deciding whether to appeal the federal ruling. The state case includes a state constitutional argument in favor of marriage equality. An Arkansas Supreme Court ruling on that state ground would trump potential federal court action.

Advertisement

An Arkansas Supreme Court ruling could only be appealed directly to the U.S. Supreme Court. To date, the U.S. Supreme Court has declined to accept numerous cases from other states in which same-sex marriage bans have been struck down as unconstitutional.

Invest in the future of great journalism in Arkansas

Join the ranks of the 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts who know that the Arkansas Times is the go-to source for tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been on the front lines of the fight for truth, and with your support, we can do even more. By subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers and expand our coverage. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make a difference with your subscription or donation to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article You want on-line education? ‘UA’ has on-line education Next article The Trade With Cuba Scorecard: To some, agriculture doesn’t matter