Burke Says Appeal Of Same-Sex Marriage Ban Decision Would Waste Taxpayer Money

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mary Burke said on Friday that further appeals in support of Wisconsin’s same-sex marriage ban are a waste of taxpayer money.

Two courts have now ruled without any ambiguity that Wisconsin’s ban on same-sex marriage violates the U.S constitutional rights of same-sex couples. In a 3-0 opinion authored by Judge Richard Posner, the U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago said that the state’s rationale in support of the ban was, “so full of holes that it cannot be taken seriously.”

During a stop in La Crosse, Burke told reporters that it was time for Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen and Gov. Scott Walker to drop any further appeals.

“I think it is a waste of scarce taxpayer dollars, and it’s not right. There has been now two courts that have said that it is discriminatory. And I think that Wisconsin should join the rest of the states who believe that this is a right. Marriage equality is a right that people should have here in Wisconsin,” said Burke.

Van Hollen has already said he’ll pursue an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. During a stop in Eau Claire, Walker gave no indication that he would disagree with Van Hollen’s decision.

“Until the U.S. Supreme Court either chooses not to take it up or ultimately would rule that the law here and elsewhere is unconstitutional, we’re still obligated to support the constitution as it was amended by the voters of this state back in 2006,” said Walker.

The appeal could be more of an issue in the race for state attorney general. Democratic candidate Susan Happ has said she would drop the appeal, while Republican Brad Schimel has said he would continue it.