On Monday July 21, 2014 Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens filed a brief (motion to dismiss) in defense of Georgia’s ban on same-sex marriages. The ban was enacted by a public vote in 2004 that amended the state’s constitution. The class action lawsuit was filed in April by Lambda Legal attorneys Beth Littrell and Tara Borelli on behalf of a group of plaintiffs claiming their rights have been violated
“Libertarians stand with the plaintiffs in this case and support the repeal of the ban on same-sex marriages”, said Doug Craig – Chairman of the Libertarian Party of Georgia.
“We believe marriage is a fundamental right retained by the people and that this right extends to same-sex couples. Our state constitution should be limited to restricting the powers of government – not the rights of the citizens. Attorney General Sam Olens’ defense of this ban is indefensible”, said Craig.
According to Craig, the popularity of any issue should never be used to limit or prohibit rights of a minority. Equal protection under the law is one of most basic rights we have as citizens. Government should not be involved in personal relationships.
The Libertarian Party supports the rights of individuals to live their lives as they see fit without government interference.
Official Position of the Libertarian Party:
Sexual orientation, preference, gender, or gender identity should have no impact on the government’s treatment of individuals, such as in current marriage, child custody, adoption, immigration or military service laws. Government does not have the authority to define, license or restrict personal relationships. Consenting adults should be free to choose their own sexual practices and personal relationships.
