Judge Strikes Down Indiana Ban On Gay Marriage

Same-sex couples in Indiana are rushing to exchange vows following Wednesday’s historic ruling overturning the state's ban.

After being on the books for decades, a federal judge on Wednesday struck down Indiana's law banning same-sex marriage.

As soon as Karen Bevil heard the news, she and her partner of 10 years, Kim, wasted no time. The couple from Hammond, Ind. – just outside Chicago -- drove as fast as they could to get to the Lake County, Indiana clerk's office in Crown Point – about 25 miles away -- to apply for her marriage license.

"We've been waiting for this years, for 10 years now, and for it to be legal and be here on the first day when the judge said it was legal, was of  huge importance for us," Bevil said.

Mike Brown is the clerk in Lake County, Ind., just outside Chicago. He said helping couples get married had added significance.

"It’s an honor because for me I’m the first African-American clerk in a 173 years in Lake County history and the ability to vote, to have fair housing, to go to where you want to and then to have the ability for a couple to come in and clarify their relationship is very important," Brown said.

Meanwhile, Indiana's attorney general has filed for an emergency stay to keep the marriage licenses from being issued. So far, no ruling has been made.