Arkansas issues same-sex marriage licenses

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP-Excite

By CHRISTINA HUYNH

EUREKA SPRINGS, Ark. (AP) — Gay marriage arrived in the Bible Belt on Saturday, beginning with two women who had traveled overnight to ensure they'd be first in line.

"Thank God," Jennifer Rambo said after Carroll County Deputy Clerk Jane Osborn issued a marriage license to her and Kristin Seaton, a former volleyball player at the University of Arkansas. The Fort Smith couple wed moments later on a sidewalk near the courthouse; the officiant wore a rainbow-colored dress.

In total, 15 licenses were issued for same-sex couples in northwest Arkansas' Carroll County, Osborn said.

Pulaski County Circuit Judge Chris Piazza paved the way Friday with a ruling that removed a 10-year-old barrier, saying a constitutional amendment overwhelmingly passed by voters in 2004 banning gay marriage was "an unconstitutional attempt to narrow the definition of equality." Piazza's ruling also overturned a 1997 state law banning gay marriage.

FULL story at link.


Read more: Arkansas issues same-sex marriage licenses

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Sheila McFadden, center, and Ken Riley, right, yell words of encouragement at the crowd gathered in front of the Carroll County Courthouse after initially being turned away for a marriage license in Eureka Springs, Ark., Saturday, May 10, 2014, in Eureka Springs, Ark. Same-sex couples were eventually granted marriage licenses, Saturday, in Eureka Springs after a judge overturned Amendment 83, which banned same-sex marriage in the state of Arkansas. (AP Photo/Sarah Bentham)

[shenmue]

1. Yay!

[DeSwiss]

2. CONGRATULATIONS Y'ALL

- K&R!!!

[center]

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[Ap1977]

3. Good

I'm glad to see a Southern state joining the progress.

[E-Z-B]

8. Not willingly, unfortunately

The ban passed during the 2004 election cycle which was bush v kerry. Half the country at that time thought that the repukes were the "moral" party, which was the focus at that time. That, and "staying the course" in Iraq.

[bvar22]

4. As residents of Arkansas,

my wife & I are celebrating this step into the 21st Century!

Congrats to the Newly Weds.

[Aristus]

5. Hooray!

Take THAT, Bible-thumpers!...

[davidpdx]

6. Good news!

Crossing fingers it doesn't get stayed next week.

[Caretha]

7. I live in Eureka Springs

and witnessed this historical event. The man on the left's name is Sparky a great guy and dearly beloved here as a great community spirited person. Two of my friends were able to marry today and I couldn't be happier for them.