On Tuesday, a federal judge in Kentucky struck down part of the state’s ban on same-sex marriage, requiring state officials to recognize marriages performed legally in other states.

In one quote, U.S. District Judge John G. Heyburn II explained why “tradition” was not a good enough argument for a conservative state like Kentucky to outlaw same-sex marriages:

“For years, many states had a tradition of segregation and even articulated reasons why it created a better, more stable society. Similarly, many states deprived women of their equal rights under the law, believing this to properly preserve our traditions.

More: In One Quote, a Federal Judge Says Gay Marriage Bans Are Doomed