Missouri's ban on same-sex marriage found unconstitutional

A St. Louis circuit judge ruled Wednesday that Missouri's ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional.

"Marriage equality is now the law of the land in the state of Missouri," Winston Calvert, the city attorney for St. Louis, said. "This decision finally enforces that constitutional guarantee of equality for gay and lesbian couples."

St. Louis Circuit Judge Rex Burlison ruled that "the freedom to marry is a fundamental right and liberty deeply rooted in the history of the United States." Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster said the state would appeal, but would not seek a stay of the ruling.

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