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In a historic ruling, the Oklahoma Supreme Court has declared the state's ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional. The decision, handed down on January 31, 2026, marks a major victory for advocates of marriage equality in Oklahoma.The case, brought before the court by a same-sex couple who had been denied a marriage license, challenged the constitutionality of Oklahoma's ban on same-sex marriage, which had been in place since 2004. The couple argued that the ban violated their rights to equal protection under the law and freedom of expression.In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court justices ruled that the ban was a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees equal protection under the law. The court cited the landmark 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, as precedent for their decision.In a statement following the ruling, the plaintiffs expressed their joy and relief at the court's decision. They thanked their legal team and supporters for standing by them throughout the legal battle.The ruling was met with both praise and criticism from various groups across the state. LGBTQ+ rights advocates hailed the decision as a step towards full equality for all Oklahomans, while opponents of same-sex marriage voiced their disapproval, vowing to continue fighting against what they see as a threat to traditional marriage.The Oklahoma Supreme Court's decision comes at a time of shifting attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights in the state. In recent years, Oklahoma has seen a growing acceptance of same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ rights, with a number of cities passing non-discrimination ordinances and other LGBTQ+ inclusive measures.With the ban on same-sex marriage now overturned, same-sex couples in Oklahoma will be able to legally marry and receive the same rights and benefits afforded to heterosexual couples. The ruling is a significant moment in the fight for equality in Oklahoma and a testament to the progress that has been made in advancing LGBTQ+ rights in the state.