Judge John G. Heyburn
Judge John G. Heyburn dies after battling cancer
Heyburn, the judge who ruled that same-sex couples in Kentucky have a right to marry has died, according to officials. Judge Heyburn was appointed to the federal judge post by George H.W. Bush in 1992 and also served as chief judge from 2001 to 2008.
According to a statement, Heyburn was battling liver cancer for almost four years when he died from the illness Wednesday. He was 66.
“Not only was Judge Heyburn a fine judge, he was also a visionary who regardless of politics, interpreted the law without prejudice. His decision affirming our right to be married in the state of Kentucky was the catalyst that has led us to the highest court in this nation. There is no doubt in my mind that God has welcomed him home with open arms and a resounding, “Well done my child, well done,” Reverend Maurice Bojangles Blanchard said in a statement released Wednesday. Read more…
