A federal judge rules that Mississippi clerks must issue marriage licenses to same sex couples until further notice. MPB's Desare Frazier reports.
U.S. District Court Judge Carlton Reeves' ruling states allowing clerks to recuse themselves from issuing same sex marriage licenses may conflict with the Supreme Court's decision the marriages are constitutional. The justices ruled gay couples must be allowed to marry under the same conditions as opposite sex couples. Supporters of 1523 say clerks will still be required to ensure licenses are provided. Attorney Roberta Kaplan with Campaign for Southern Equality, argued in federal court, recusals could lead to delays and humiliate couples. She hopes this means Reeves will rule the law unconstitutional.
"This is really only the appetizer in that the big decision will come later this week and that will be Judge Reeves' ruling on all of 1523 and whether the statue as a whole violates the 1st Amendment," said Kaplan.
Reeves' wrote in his ruling federal courts can tell states what is constitutional and the court will not take up the issue after every legislative session.
Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves said in a statement, he hopes the state's attorneys will appeal the decision to protect the religious beliefs of Mississippians.
