Guam became the first U.S. territory to recognize same-sex marriage after a federal judge struck down a ban.
U.S. District Court Chief Judge Frances M. Tydingco-Gatewood issued the decision to recognize same-sex marriage after a hearing Friday morning local time. It goes into effect at 8 a.m. Tuesday, when gay couples can begin applying for marriage licenses.
Two 28-year-old women (Loretta M. Pangelinan and Kathleen M. Aguero) filed a lawsuit in April after being denied a marriage license based off a decision in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last year in favor of same-sex marriage.
The two women’s attorneys argued the territory must fall in line with the 9th Circuit unless the U.S. Supreme Court rules otherwise later this summer — a decision which could make same-sex marriage a constitutional right.
Guam, whose residents are U.S. citizens but don’t have the right to cast ballots for president, joins the 36 other U.S. states and the District of Columbia in allowing for same-sex marriage licenses.
(h/t The Associated Press)
