BILL DRAPER, Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri judge has ruled that the state must recognize same-sex marriages that were legally performed in other states.

Jackson County Circuit Judge J. Dale Youngs ruled Friday that the Missouri Constitution and state laws banning same-sex marriage are invalid for unions legally performed in other states.

Youngs made the ruling in a lawsuit filed by 10 same-sex couples who were legally married in states. They argue that their right to equal protection and due process are being violated by the state’s ban on gay marriage.

Young agreed, saying the couples deserve the same recognition as opposite-sex couples who were married in other states.