Kentucky’s legal defense of the state’s same-sex marriage ban has come in for some harsh criticism.
And it’s led some observers to wonder aloud whether Gov. Beshear’s administration is truly committed to defending the law.
Ever since it was announced that Kentucky lawyers would argue that the state has a legitimate interest in encouraging traditional marriage between opposite sex couples because it supports “the long-term economic stability through stable birth rates," analysts have questioned the state’s commitment to fighting for the ban.
So much so that some Kentucky attorneys have suggested the governor, who has been supportive of gay rights issues in the past, is purposefully putting forward a half-hearted defense.
Asked about that theory, Beshear told WUKY Wednesday that Kentucky’s case is only one among many that that will go before the courts.
"These cases will be thoroughly briefed with the number of cases across the country. Every issue that you can think of is going to be raised on both sides of this issue and the court will have all of it in front of them when they make the decision," he said.
The state is appealing a February ruling by a federal judge that required Kentucky to recognize legal same-sex marriages performed in other states.
Beshear hired outside attorneys to defend the ban after Attorney General Jack Conway announced he would not appeal the decision.
