Pennsylvania: Marriage equality lawsuit may resolve based only on briefs filed, no trial

Pennsylvania's marriage equality lawsuit may receive a relatively quick ruling in light of the fact that the state says it will not call any experts nor argue the ban causes harm to the plaintiffs.

From the ACLU website:

A trial became unnecessary after the commonwealth stated that it will not call any experts to counter the plaintiffs’ argument that there is no rational reason why lesbian and gay couples are excluded from marriage, nor does it plan to dispute the specific harms caused to the plaintiffs by the marriage ban. All legal papers in the case will be filed by May 12, meaning a ruling could come at any time after that date.

“We are pleased that this case will be moving forward quickly. Our clients have waited long enough for the state to recognize the love and commitment that these couples have for each other,” said John S. Stapleton, of Hangley Aronchick Segal Pudlin & Schiller.

In addition to the motion for summary judgement (asking a judge to decide the case on the briefs alone rather than wait for a trial), briefs were filed by the plaintiffs with testimony from experts on legal disadvantages same-sex couples face on many legal fronts, as well as economic harms to the state's economy due to banning marriage equality.

You can read the plaintiff's motion for here.