Idaho Governor wastes $80,000 on gay marriage fight

Despite Idaho Governor "Butch" Otter's waste of $80,000, couples like Amber Beirle (L) and partner Rachael Beirle are able to get married in Idaho. (AP Photo/The Idaho Statesman, Kyle Green)

Boise, Idaho (AP) — Idaho officials have spent more than $80,000 challenging a federal judge's decision overturning the state's ban on gay marriage.

The Spokesman-Review reports (http://bit.ly/1wC4ATJ) that information it obtained through a public records request shows Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter earlier this month agreed to pay a Washington, D.C., attorney $10,000 to file two legal briefs.

That's on top of the $71,000 previously spent to challenge U.S. District Court Judge Candy Dale's decision that Idaho's gay marriage ban was unconstitutional.

Last week, Otter filed a petition with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals asking the 11-judge panel to review Idaho's arguments. Information on the latest costs isn't available.

The court asked the Idaho plaintiffs to file a response.

Gay marriage became legal in Idaho on Oct. 15.

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Information from: The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA

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The Gayly – October 27, 2014 @ 12:30pm