U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb's 88-page ruling declaring "that the right to marry protected by the Constitution includes same-sex couples" effectively overturns the state's 2006 voter-led ban unconstitutional. The verdict comes five months after the ACLU filed suit on behalf of eight same-sex couples.

“The federal district court in Madison took another step toward ensuring full equality for every American.  It is clear the growing momentum of support for marriage equality will put an end to discriminatory laws that treat LGBT couples as second-class citizens," said openly gay Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI). " In ruling after ruling, it has become unmistakable that the promise of America is everyone should be treated equally and with dignity.  Today’s ruling brings us one step closer to fulfilling that promise.”

County clerks are still trying to figure out how to proceed: Wisconsin has a five-day waiting period between the application for and issuing of marriage licenses, but clerks can waive the wait for a $25 fee.

Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen has not said whether his office will appeal the ruling. Republican Gov. Scott Walker has opposed both marriage equality and a domestic registry.