Wisconsin becomes latest state in which judge strikes same-sex marriage ban

(CNN) — A federal judge on Friday struck down Wisconsin’s ban on same-sex marriage, ruling it violates the U.S. Constitution — a determination made by several other courts over the past year.

U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb said her ruling is based on her belief that same-sex couples “are entitled to the same treatment as any heterosexual couple.”

Crabb did not immediately stay her own ruling, as some other federal judges issuing similar decisions have done, nor did she state that it takes effect right away.

Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen said the current law restricting marriage to one man and one woman — which is written into the Wisconsin state constitution — “remains in force.”

“While today’s decision is a setback, we’ll continue to defend the constitutionality of our traditional marriage laws and the constitutional amendment, which was overwhelmingly approved by voters,” Van Hollen said. “I will appeal.”