Governor’s office instructs state agencies to comply with same-sex marriage ruling, Utah County reported only county not yet complying
Protesters display signs in support of gay marriage at the corner of St. George Boulevard and 200 East in St. George on Dec. 23.
The governor’s office yesterday issued a statement that counties in Utah should comply with the ruling to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples as long as “no conflicting laws exist.” Agencies within the state facing “conflicting laws either in statute or administrative rule” have been admonished to consult with assistant attorney generals assigned to them to resolve any conflicts.
Activists in the gay community told The Independent today that Utah County remains the only county in the state that is not yet issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, but that could not be confirmed due to state agencies being closed for the holiday.
Below is the e-mail issued by the governor’s office yesterday in its entirety:
Dear Cabinet,
Thanks to each of you for providing an analysis of the impacts to the
operations in your respective agencies based on the recent federal
district court ruling on same sex marriage. As indicated in your
responses, many agencies will experience minimal or no impact.
For those agencies that now face conflicting laws either in statute or
administrative rule, you should consult with the Assistant Attorney
Generals assigned to your agency on the best course to resolve those
conflicts. You should also advise your analyst in GOMB of the plans
for addressing the conflicting laws.
Where no conflicting laws exist you should conduct business in
compliance with the federal judge’s ruling until such time that the current
district court decision is addressed by the 10th Circuit Court.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Derek B. Miller
Chief of Staff
Governor’s Office
State of Utah
Written by Cami Cox
Related Stories:
