Judge facing ouster for saying she wouldn't preside over same-sex marriages

 


CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Some current and former Wyoming lawmakers, as well as national religious groups, are supporting a municipal judge who faces a dismissal petition before the Wyoming Supreme Court for saying she would not preside over same-sex marriages.

The Wyoming Commission on Judicial Conduct and Ethics is recommending the court remove Municipal Judge and Circuit Court Magistrate Ruth Neely of Pinedale. Neely last year told a reporter she would not perform same-sex marriages because of her religious beliefs.

Neely is fighting removal, arguing she has a constitutional right to voice her opinion. Her lawyers have said no same-sex couples have asked her to preside over weddings.

Coalitions of current and former state lawmakers, religious groups, legal scholars and others filed requests with the court on Monday supporting Neely.