HERNANDO, Miss. – A lesbian couple has been denied a divorce in Mississippi. Laruen Beth Czekala-Chatham married her wife in San Francisco and had hopes of ending the marriage in their home state. A judge denied them that request Monday, because under Mississippi law gay marriage is not recognized.
“This was a test case, it was brought in part of a test case. I’m not suggesting that the petitioner doesn’t want a divorce, but here and elsewhere there are litigants pushing the court systems to make the next step,” said Mississippi College Law Professor Matt Steffey.
“There is provision in the defense of marriage act that says a state that does not recognize gay marriage does not have to recognize out-of-state gay marriages. As long as that law is on the books, the Mississippi state constitutional amendment is on the books. Our courthouses will remain closed.”
If the couple wants a divorce, they will have to go back to California to get that resolved.
