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Chattanoogans Weigh In On Upcoming Same-Sex Marr

199 views · Published 12 February 2015 · 0:43 · Indexed 1 November 2026

Channel: WTVC NewsChannel 9 · 2015 · News & Politics

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In Tennessee, same-sex marriage has undoubtedly become a topic of debate.  

Marriage equality supporters make their case under the 14th amendment, which says no person may be denied the equal protection of the law.

Right now, couples submit their marriage license applications to the Hamilton County Courthouse. Over the phone, County Clerk Bill Knowles acknowledged the upcoming ruling, but said "he won't comment prematurely on the situation." However, they have seen "a lot of same-sex marriage applications come through their office."

People we approached downtown also felt uneasy commenting, saying they didn't want to share their opinions in our newscasts. 

But the people that did feel comfortable commenting had clear opinions.

"I'm really excited about it. And when it happens, I'm going to throw a party," says Sheila St. Aubin. 

Janelle Witt recently moved here from California, a state that legalized gay marriage more than ten years ago. 

"I think it's okay. Everyone should be allowed to marry who they want to so I fully support it in every way," says Witt. 

Both women say Tennessee is falling behind in supporting same-sex couples. 

"I find it embarrassing. I love living in Chattanooga, I think it's a really wonderful city. A lot of wonderful things about it, but this is one of the things that makes me very sad," remarks St. Aubin. 

A SCOTUS blog expects the Supreme Court decision to be "historic" with "wide cultural impact," but doesn't indicate which way the vote will go. 

Some people are more hopeful in their predictions. 

"My prediction today is that John Roberts will get on the right side of history and the ruling will be at least 6 to 3 on the Supreme Court, and possibly even 7 to 2," says John Reis.

The case will begin in April, and a ruling is expected in June. 

By: Kelsey Bagwell

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