Activists are making great strides toward making South Dakota gay marriage equality a reality. However, right now, a homosexual couple could not have a legally recognized wedding in the state. In fact, in 2006, voters adopted an amendment that denied recognition to all kinds of same sex partnerships, including civil unions and domestic partnerships. Despite the fact that the current laws stand against equality, change is in the air.
In May 2014, six couples in South Dakota decided enough was enough. They filed a federal lawsuit against the state with the certainty its ban against same sex unions was unconstitutional. Not only do these couples want South Dakota gay marriage to be recognized, they are also asking for an examination of the ability of a state to deny the validity of marriages performed in other parts of the country.
South Dakota’s long awaited move makes North Dakota the only state left that does not have an active case against gay marriage bans. While these steps are encouraging, homosexual couples may still have a long time to wait before they are able to enjoy their right to legally recognized unions. South Dakota’s state officials say they will work to uphold the ban against marriage equality, especially because their constituencies voted for it. The Supreme Court, inundated as it is with lawsuits of this type, might not get to South Dakota until it has examined other states.
Although the legal system can be slow, there are many steps you can take to support the cause of South Dakota gay marriage. You can write to your representatives in Congress and express your wish to change the law that denies rights to someone just because he or she is a homosexual. You can talk to your friends and family about why gay people deserve the chance to have a wedding. You can also join forces with an activist group, such as Equality South Dakota, Freedom to Marry, and the Human Rights Campaign. As increasing numbers of citizens get behind the movement, change becomes more and more likely
