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Cheers, jeers for gay marriage ruling

Same-sex couples in Montana can now get marriage licenses at the Hill County Clerk of Courts office for the first time, now that U.S. District Court Judge Brian Morris ruled Wednesday that Montana’s ban on same-sex marriages violated the U.S. Constitution.

Kathie Vigliotti, Hill County clerk of courts said marriage licensing paperwork previously only referred to husband and wife but are now available in gender-neutral versions.

She said that, in her 20-plus years in the office, no same-sex couple has ever sought a license.

Morris’ ruling overturns an amendment to the state constitution approved by voters in 2004 that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

Local supporters of same-sex marriage were jubilant about the judge’s decision.

Pam Hillery is a leader of the Montana Pride Foundation and had organized a local group to lobby for change in Montana.

"I am completely in favor of Judge Morris' ruling. This will be a new day for a lot of people in Montana," she said. "We have some dear friends who can now live their lives the way they always wanted to."

Hillery believes gay marriage does not threaten traditional marriage.

“Divorce and adultery threaten traditional marriage,” she added.

Hillery also said she understands why some people are upset because gay marriage conflicts with their religious beliefs.

"But my God is a loving God," she said.

Numerous conservative and religious leaders did not return phone calls from the Havre Daily News seeking comments counter to Hillery’s views.

But supporters of traditional marriage at the state level had plenty to say.

Montana Family Foundation President Jeff Laszloffy said he grieved for children of same-sex couples who have no chance of growing up with a mother and a father.

The foundation advocates in Helena for traditional religious values.

“While we’re disappointed in the decision, we will not despair, we will not throw in the towel and we will not give up," Laszloffy said. “Laws may change, but the definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman is timeless.”

According to a Montana Catholic Conference press release, the church believes people with same-sex attraction deserve the respect and dignity that is theirs as human beings and should be treated with compassion and love.

“At the same time, we affirm the sacred beauty of the natural institution of marriage between one man and one woman and firmly hold that such a marriage most suitably provides for children, the family and the common good,” the press release said.

Montana is the 34th state in the nation to allow such unions.

(Havre daily News Managing Editor John Kelleher contributed to this report.)

 

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