ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue issued the following statement [Tuesday evening] regarding the striking down of Georgia's same sex marriage amendment.

“I am very disappointed by this decision to countermand the people of Georgia’s voice in defining marriage in our state as a union between a man and a woman. This decision highlights the effect activist judges can have on our system of governance. The people of Georgia knew exactly what they were doing when an overwhelming 76 percent voted in support of this constitutional amendment. It is sad that a single judge has chosen to reverse their decision. I am carefully assessing the options to ensure that the will of the people will not be thwarted.”

The 2004 state constitutional amendment was thrown out by a Fulton superior court judge, who said the amendment violated the constitution's prohibition against amendments with multiple subjects.

The voters overwhelmingly approved the ballot measure which prohibits both gay marriages and so-called civil unions of same-sex partners.

The superior court judge's ruling likely will be appealed for a final ruling by the state's Supreme Court.