In an e-mail to state cabinet members that was sent out on Tuesday night, Utah Governor Gary Herbert’s office stated that the state’s recognition of all same-sex marriages is now “on hold” until final resolution is made by the courts. This puts Amendment 3, previously ruled unconstitutional by U.S. District Judge Robert Shelby, back into effect until a final ruling is made regarding the legalization of same-sex marriage in Utah.
For gay couples in Utah, this directive means that, for the time being, no more same-sex marriages can be legally performed and current same-sex marriages will not recognized by the State of Utah.
“We […] recognize that these changes affect real people’s lives,” the e-mail said. “Let us carefully and considerately ensure that we, and our employees throughout the state, continue to treat all people with respect and understanding as we assist them.”
According to the governor’s office, wherever a same-sex couple is at in the process of obtaining state services afforded to married couples, their progress is now on hold. Those who have already made legal name changes and gotten new driver’s licenses, for example, can retain their new names and documents, but no further name changes will be granted or driver’s licenses issued with the new married last names.
“Please understand, this position is not intended to comment on the legal status of those same-sex marriages – that is for the courts to decide,” the e-mail said. “The intent of this communication is to direct state agency compliance with current laws that prohibit the state from recognizing same-sex marriages.”
Below, we reprint the e-mail in its entirety:
Dear Cabinet,
I’m sure you are all aware of the issuance of the stay regarding same-sex marriage in Utah from the United States Supreme Court yesterday. This stay effectively puts a hold on the decision of the district court, which found state laws prohibiting same-sex marriage in Utah to be unconstitutional.
After the district court decision was issued on Friday, December 20th, some same-sex couples availed themselves of the opportunity to marry and to the status granted by the state to married persons. This office sent an email to each of you soon after the district court decision, directing compliance.
With the district court injunction now stayed, the original laws governing marriage in Utah return to effect pending final resolution by the courts. It is important to understand that those laws include not only a prohibition of performing same-sex marriages but also recognizing same-sex marriages.
Based on counsel from the Attorney General’s Office regarding the Supreme Court decision, state recognition of same-sex marital status is ON HOLD until further notice. Please understand this position is not intended to comment on the legal status of those same-sex marriages – that is for the courts to decide. The intent of this communication is to direct state agency compliance with current laws that prohibit the state from recognizing same-sex marriages.
Wherever individuals are in the process of availing themselves of state services related to same-sex marital status, that process is on hold and will stay exactly in that position until a final court decision is issued. For example, if a same-sex married couple previously changed their names on new drivers licenses, those licenses should not be revoked. If a same-sex couple seeks to change their names on drivers licenses now, the law does not allow the state agency to recognize the marriage therefore the new drivers licenses cannot be issued.
We appreciate your patience and diligence in this matter. We recognize that different state agencies have specific questions and circumstances that will need to be worked through. Please do so with the Assistant Attorney General assigned to your respective agency in coordination with the Governor’s General Counsel. We also recognize that these changes affect real people’s lives. Let us carefully and considerately ensure that we, and our employees throughout the state, continue to treat all people with respect and understanding as we assist them.
Regards,
Derek B. Miller
Chief of Staff
Governor’s Office
State of Utah
Written by Cami Cox
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