Kansas Gay Inmate’s Husband not Planning to Visit

The husband of a Kansas inmate says he isn’t interested in visiting his spouse, who has complained that the state is discriminating by prohibiting the visits.

Christopher Yates is serving seven years in prison for crimes related to embezzlement. He says the state is treating him differently by refusing to allow his husband to visit. The two men were married in Iowa.

However, Yates’ husband, Steve Yates, told The Topeka Capital-Journal that he has no desire to visit the prison. He says he plans to end the marriage, perhaps by getting an annulment.

The state has said the banned the visits because Steve Yates is a co-defendant in some of Christopher Yates’ crimes. Prison officials said the men’s sexual orientation had no bearing on the decision.