Via AFP:
A federal judge on Friday struck down Utah's ban on gay marriage, saying that the western state's law -- approved by voters in a referendum in 2004 -- violates the US constitution.
Judge Robert J. Shelby of Utah's Federal District Court, said the state's law conflicts with the right of same-sex couples to equal protection under the 14th Amendment to the constitution.
Gay groups welcomed the ruling, which comes after neighboring New Mexico on Thursday became the 17th US state to legalize same-sex marriage.
"Few questions are as politically charged in the current climate," said Shelby....
