Historic Ruling

Saturday

• June 27, 2015

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What the Ruling Means BRADY MCCOMBS Associated Press‌

Court’s decision.

Pastor Paul Thompson has been leading Eastide Southern Baptist in Twin Falls for 14 years and has watched the discussion of marriage equality play out.

“Nearly all of us expected Thompson this would be the Supreme Court’s decision,” Thompson said.

Thompson wrote in December that the

‌ ALT LAKE CITY • S The decadeslong debate about whether samesex marriage should be allowed in the United States was finally settled Friday when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled gay and lesbian couples can get married anywhere in the country.‌ A closer look at what it means: IS THIS THE FINAL WORD ON THE ISSUE? Yes, for all intents and purposes. The states that oppose gay marriage could ask the justices to reconsider, but that’s unlikely. That means June 26, 2015, will be marked in future history books as the moment gay marriage was declared legal across the United States.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE 14 STATES THAT STILL BAN GAY MARRIAGE? The Southern and Midwestern states must lift their bans and allow gay and lesbian couples to marry.

Marriage licenses were already being issued Friday in many of these states. The court gave the losing side roughly three weeks to ask for reconsideration, but some state officials and county clerks are opting to go ahead and begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The 14 states that had banned gay marriage are Georgia, Ohio, Texas, Arkansas, Michigan, Nebraska, Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, most of Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota and Tennessee.

DOES ANYTHING CHANGE IN THE 36 STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA T H AT A L R E A DY A L L OW GAY MARRIAGE? No. The ruling ensures that the wave of lower-court decisions that legalized gay marriage across most of the West and East in the last 1½ years stand. The Supreme Court ruling prevents state officials and county clerks from being forced to determine how to deal with thousands of marriages already issued. LGBT advocates and married gay couples celebrated in these states, expressing relief and joy that the movement’s remarkable winning streak in the courts stretched to the end.

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THE ASSOCIATED PRESS‌

Carlos McKnight of Washington waves a flag in support of gay marriage outside of the Supreme Court on Friday in Washington.

HISTORIC RULING

Joy, Disappointment Among Idaho Reactions to Gay Marriage Decision TIMES-NEWS ‌WASHINGTON • Gay and lesbian Americans have the same right to marry as any other couples, the Supreme Court declared Friday in a historic ruling deciding one of the nation’s most contentious and emotional legal questions. Celebrations and joyful weddings quickly followed in states where they had been forbidden.‌ The vote was narrow — 5-4 — but Justice Anthony Kennedy’s majority opinion was clear and firm: “The court now holds that same-sex couples may exercise the fundamental right to marry. No longer may this liberty be denied to them.”

The ruling will put an end to same-sex marriage bans in the 14 states that still maintain them, and provide an exclamation point for breathtaking changes in the nation’s social norms in recent years. As recently as last October, more than one-third of the states permitted gay marriages.

In praise of the decision, President Barack Obama called it “justice that arrives like a thunderbolt.”

—The Associated Press Here’s how locals reacted to the news:

emotion this morning,” he said.

“It feels very validating and just really wonderful.”

Hafer, 26, was born and raised in Twin Falls. He’s enrolled in Boise State University’s Twin Falls program, pursuing a master’s degree in social work.

Hafer Hafer is a leader with the statewide Add the Words campaign, seeking to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

He’s been actively involved over the years with other organizations, too, such as BSU’s pride alliance.

With big federal decisions about same-sex marriage, it has “a more covert impact that people don’t realize,” Hafer said, adding it has a positive impact on the cultural climate nationwide.

The government is “recognizing us as a community and recognizing the need for us to have rights,” he said.

But the work isn’t over in Idaho and nationally, he said. Hafer wants to see discrimination protections enacted in the Gem State.

“That’s still really vital. If you don’t have the employment protections, it’s still kind of scary.”

— Julie Wootton

Advocate: Idaho Still Needs Discrimination Protection‌ Baptist Pastor: Church Will Twin Falls native Cody Hafer was thrilled Not Change Friday about the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that gives same-sex couples the right to marry in all 50 states.

“I’ve just been overwhelmed with great

The pastor of Eastside Southern Baptist said he won’t change his opinion on same sex marriage in the wake of the Supreme

ASSOCIATED PRESS‌

The White House is lit up in rainbow colors in commemoration of the Supreme Court’s ruling to legalize same-sex marriage on Friday.

Fire Burns Garage Southwest of Twin Falls

Smoke plumes emerge from a fire in a shop at 3660 North and 2700 East in Twin Falls on Friday.

TIMES-NEWS ‌ WIN FALLS • A garage was T destroyed in a fire Friday near Twin Falls.‌ A neighbor called 911 at 11:45 a.m. to report a shop on fire in the area of 3660 North 2700 East, southwest of Twin Falls.

The building was fully engulfed and most of the city’s firefighters headed to the scene, said city spokesman Joshua Palmer. Three

STEPHEN REISS TIMES-NEWS‌

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engines and two water tenders were at the scene.

Nearby roads were closed as firefighters worked in the near 90-degree heat.

The blaze was under control at 12:17 p.m. but black smoke continued to rise from the shop.

Houses and a barn were nearby, but only the shop was damaged.

“Based on what we’re getting from the owners, it was electrical,”

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said Battalion Chief Jack Barnes.

“It was a typical garage or shed, lots of fuel. It burns hot and fast.”

No one was on the property when the fire started, Barnes said.

The Twin Falls Fire Department, Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office and Magic Valley Paramedics responded.

During the fire, reserve firefighters manned fire stations in Twin Falls.

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result of this hearing will affect our nation regardless of the outcome but Thompson said Friday that the church hasn’t changed its opinion and will operate the same way it has since the 9th Circuit Court first struck down Idaho’s ban on same sex marriage.

“Even before, our church wrote up a formal resolution of how we would handle marriages,” Thompson said. “We would find support for all of our decisions in the Bible.”

The church still believes that marriage should take place between a man and a woman, what Thompson said the Bible calls for.

“Our position isn’t in regards to the government but is made in regards to scripture,” Thompson said.

Though Eastside Southern Baptist does not believe that marriage rights should be expanded to same sex couples, Thompson said that his church will not try to hinder couples from making their own decisions.

“The truth of the Bible is not an opinion,” Thompson said. “That doesn’t mean we want to stop anyone from doing anything, that’s not our duty. Our duty is to stand steadfast.”

— Benton Smith

Unitarians Celebrate Court Ruling‌ While some church organizations viewed the Supreme Court’s decision on same sex marriage as a defeat, others are ecstatic about it.

Elizabeth L. Greene, minister of Magic Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, was thrilled to hear that same-sex marriage bans have been declared unconstitutional.

“I and all Unitarian Universalists are delighted at the Supreme Court’s decision today,” Greene said. “Our national general assembly, which we are currently Greene attending, is about to go into a vibrant, joyful celebration of that decision.”

Unitarian Universalists fight for social justice in many different fields and have been championing same sex marriage, she said.

“This is an acclimation of love over disrespect and violence and prejudice.”

— Benton Smith

STEPHEN REISS, TIMES-NEWS‌

Don, left, and Clint Newlan cut a cake at their wedding reception in their home on May 23 in Twin Falls.

groomer Jade Shradley, 17. They both have friends who moved out of state to get married before same-sex marriage was legalized in Idaho.

“There’s going to be a lot of the older generation that doesn’t approve of it,” Bunn said.

Though she herself believes marriage should be between a man and a woman, Bunn said, she supports today’s ruling, saying she’d hate to be in a position where she wasn’t legally able to marry the one she loves.

“Do what makes you happy,” Shradley said. “If it makes you happy, everyone’s got their rights.”

—Eric Quitugua

COURTESY PHOTO

Brandon Redmond is seen riding the Thunder Mountain Line near Horseshoe Bend in October 2014.

Burley Reacts to Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage‌ “I’m disappointed in a lot more than just the marriage,” said Julie Rushton, an office manager in Burley. “Depending if the gay community lets it go with this or if they pursue making all churches perform gay marriages, they want businesses to have to support those types of relationships.”

Rushton said she worried people who are against same-sex marriage will be accused of “bigotry or racism.”

“That’s my concern,” she said. I think this will have a profound influence on our First Amendment. Tolerance goes both ways. In the gay community it only goes one way.”

Pastor Jim Powell of Mountain View Christian Center also disagreed with Friday’s ruling. He said he sees it as a decline in Biblical standards, which he defines as only being between one man and one woman.

However, Powell said his church welcomes diversity and will walk anyone through the trials and ups and downs of life.

“We love the sinner, hate the sin,” he said.

“We see it no differently than an alcoholic or a drug abuser.”

Rob Morrison, an employee at the Vapor Stratus Vapor Shop said he believes happiness is the only thing that matters and that he’s “not going to cut anybody down.”

“There shouldn’t be a problem,” he said.

“Marriage is marriage as long as they can make it happen and be happy about it.”

This sentiment was echoed by Shampoochies owner Kendra Bunn, 25, and dog

Transgender Student: Fight For Equality Isn’t Over‌ Ashton Lake wants people to know the journey isn’t over for LGBT equality.

“The fight doesn’t stop here,” the 23-year-old said. “It’s not even close to being done” until everyone has equal protections and rights.

But the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision is a great thing, Lake said, adding that everyone should have marriage equality. “I’m really excited about it, obviously.”

Lake — who identifies as transgender — grew up in Pocatello and moved to Twin Falls one-and-a-half years ago.

He decided to take a semester off at the College of Southern Idaho and is finishing up a pharmacy technician certification.

His long-term goal is to become a paramedic through CSI’s program and eventually become a medical doctor.

With the Supreme Court decision, Lake said, he fears more violence will be raised toward the LGBT community nationwide.

“I am fearing for LGBT individuals who are in deeper red states.”

— Julie Wootton

Wedding Plans Continue After Ruling‌ Brandon Redmond met the man he plans to marry more than two years ago.

Redmond and his partner, Nick Cosinteno, have publicly celebrated their wedding plans on Facebook, where the two met. They plan to marry next year in Scottsdale, Ariz.

“It’s our favorite place to vacation,”he said. “So we are thinking a destination weekend wedding at a resort there.”

Redmond, 28, grew up in Indiana but moved here three years ago. He said he is fortunate to be in the Magic Valley.

“Every person I’ve come across respects and accepts me for who I am,” he said.

“While they may not agree with my lifestyle or with same-sex marriage, they have shown me acceptance, respect and professionalism for which I am very grateful.

I am very proud to call the Magic Valley my home.”

The Supreme Court’s ruling Friday “is one that will forever change my life,” he said. “Having the ability to marry the person whom I love is something that I hold close to my heart.”

Redmond previously had fears that were alleviated by the ruling.

“The thought of my partner being in an accident or having a medical condition and me having no rights to visit or be with him at the hospital was very concerning,” he said.

“Kudos to the United States Supreme Court for sweeping marriage equality across all 50 states and to the United States for being on the right side of history.”

— Mychel Matthews

First Couple to Get Gay Marriage License in Twin Falls Rejoices‌ Don and Clint Newlan were the first gay couple to get a marriage license in Twin Falls County after an appeals court ruling in October 2014. A few minutes after they got their marriage license, word of a temporary U.S. Supreme Court stay on gay marriage reached the Twin Falls County Clerk’s office, and another gay couple who were waiting was turned away. The two got legally married in Idaho in February.

“We are happy,” Don said of Friday morning’s ruling. “We are happy about it. “We jumped up and down when we heard it.”

He said they were optimistic that the Supreme Court would rule in favor of gay marriage.

“I praise Justice Kennedy,” he added.

— Nathan Brown

the show. “Being the little effeminate boy, I just never fit in. I was the weirdo, but I never tried to hide it.”

— Mychel Matthews

ASSOCIATED PRESS

After the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals struck down Idaho’s gay marriage ban, the plaintiffs and their attorneys held a news conference outside the James A. McClure Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse Oct. 7in Boise. From left are three of the four couples in the case: Sue Latta and Traci Ehlers, Sharene and Lori Watsen and Rachael and Amber Beierle.

Idaho Lawyer, Clients Thrilled‌

Deborah Ferguson was one of the lawyers in the Latta v. Otter case that led to two federal courts striking down Idaho’s ban on same-sex marriage, which has been legal in the state since October as a result.

“Well, we’re ecstatic,” Ferguson said of today’s ruling. It’s a very historic day and a very joyous one.”

Ferguson said she had spoken to her clients earlier this morning, and they are “thrilled and relieved and incredibly happy.”

“Lots of tears of joy. And an incredible journey.”

Ferguson said the ruling likely means the Supreme Court will deny Otter’s petition asking for review of the case, leaving the previous 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling to be finalized as it stands.

Ferguson said she doubts the ruling will have any effect on any other Idaho laws as they stand now, although she hopes the state will make headway in other areas on gay and transgender rights and non-discrimination protections.

— Nathan Brown

U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador, R-Idaho:‌

STEPHEN REISS, TIMES-NEWS FILE PHOTO‌

Hairstylist Brandon Tesch, a Magic Valley native, is an outspoken supporter of marriage equality.

Murtaugh Native Hopes Ruling Brings Acceptance‌ “Love wins!” exclaimed Brandon Tesch when he heard Friday’s Supreme Court ruling affirming same-sex marriage.

As a gay man, Tesch, 36, has seen both sides of human nature — the loving side and the hateful side.

Tesch, a Murtaugh native who lives and works in Twin Falls, isn’t in a relationship, but he does have reason to celebrate.

The ruling will bring dignity to those who have been treated unfairly because of whom they love, he said. He hopes the ruling also will bring more acceptance, not just to gay marriage, but to the LGBT community in general.

Getting “those disapproving looks” from strangers doesn’t bother him. He said he moved back after years away from the Magic Valley because there is a need for someone willing to stand out.

“People need to stop judging,” said the popular hairstylist. “Rejection by family and society — because of one’s sexual orientation — can cause so much harm.”

In January, Tesch performed a multimedia presentation called “Snakes and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails,” which was part of the College of Southern Idaho’s Stage Door Series. The sold-out event highlighted the gray areas of masculinity.

“Growing up gay in Murtaugh was intense,” Tesch told the Times-News after

“Today, a slim majority of the Supreme Court took away the right of the people of each state to define marriage. The decision turns the principles of democracy on their head. As Justice Scalia correctly states in his dissent, our founding documents gave the citizens of this great nation the ‘freedom to govern themselves.’

That freedom was taken away Labrador today in the name of ‘liberties’ not mentioned in the constitution.

“The decision makes it all the more important that Congress move to protect the religious liberty of those who believe in

traditional marriage. No American should be penalized for following their religious beliefs or moral convictions. In the majority opinion, Justice Kennedy states, ‘The First Amendment ensures that religious organizations and persons are given proper protection as they seek to teach the principles that are so fulfilling and so central to their lives and faiths, and to their own deep aspirations to continue the family structure they have long revered.’

“To provide those very protections, I have introduced the First Amendment Defense Act, H.R. 2802. My bill would prohibit any federal agency from denying a tax exemption, grant, contract, license or certification to an individual, association, or business based on their belief that marriage is between a man and a woman. It is imperative that we move quickly to protect the religious liberty of religious organizations and persons and I call on the leadership of the House and the Senate to speed up consideration of this bill and its companion, S. 1598, introduced by Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah.”

Nikki Wallace, Spokeswoman for Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho‌ “Congressman Simpson is disappointed in the Supreme Court’s action today and believes the definition of marriage is best determined by the individual states. At the same time, Congressman Simpson respects the rule of law and the decision of our nation’s highest court. Our nation has many pressing matters before it, including the debt and defiSimpson cit, tax reform, entitlement reform, immigration reform and a number of other critical issues that should be the primary focus of Congress over the coming weeks and months.”

U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho‌ “I strongly disagree with today’s ruling. Each state has the right to make this decision. The 10th Amendment says ‘The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to Crapo the people.’”

Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter:‌

“Today’s decision is truly disappointing for states, including Idaho, where the people chose to define marriage for themselves as between one man and one woman. I have maintained from the very beginning that it should be the prerogative of the states — not the courts — to determine whether samesex marriage is consistent with the values, character, and Otter moral fabric of that particular state. That is why it was especially troubling that the Court treated the 10th Amendment as a footnote, instead of the guiding principle our founding fathers intended.”

Statement from the LDS Church:‌ “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints acknowledges that following today’s ruling by the Supreme Court, samesex marriages are now legal in the United States. The Court’s decision does not alter the Lord’s doctrine that marriage is a union between a man and a woman ordained by God. While showing respect for those who think differently, the Church will continue to teach and promote marriage between a man and a woman as a central part of our doctrine and practice.”

Leo Morales, Acting Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho‌

“Today, our highest court affirmed what we already knew to be true: that love, commitment and responsibility in marriage between two people is universal and no state law should abridge this fundamental right of two people to marry. Marriage is a lifelong commitment to take care of each other in good times and bad, for better or worse.”

ASSOCIATED PRESS

American Civil Liberties Union-Idaho spokesman Leo Morales, standing with ACLU attorneys at the Statehouse in Boise, announces a federal lawsuit over Idaho’s patchwork public defense system on June 17 in Boise.