Same-sex marriage begins in South Carolina despite lingering state ban
A court in South Carolina on Wednesday began accepting marriage license applications from same-sex couples, even though the state still technically has a legal ban on gay marriage.
At issue is the Supreme Court's decision this week to not hear any appeals concerning gay marriage, including one from the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, which has jurisdiction over South Carolina. That decision effectively legalized gay marriage in the five states that brought the legal challenges. But it also perhaps legalized same-sex marriage in six other states that are covered by appeals courts whose pro-gay marriage rulings were allowed to stand.
Hence, Charleston County Probate Judge Irvin Condon said in a statement that in light of the justices' inaction, he was "required to accept and issue marriage licenses for same-sex couples." And on Wednesday, he accepted the first marriage license application, from Charleston County Councilwoman Colleen Condon and her partner, Nichols Bleckley.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has said he will fight to uphold the state's ban.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Jon Terbush is an associate editor at TheWeek.com covering politics, sports, and other things he finds interesting. He has previously written for Talking Points Memo, Raw Story, and Business Insider.
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published