Judge: Arkansas Must Recognize in-State Same-Sex Marriages

[TexasTowelie]

Source: AP

A judge ordered Arkansas officials on Tuesday to recognize more than 500 same-sex marriages performed in the state last year, a move that will let the couples enjoy a host of benefits such as filing taxes jointly and enrolling together in state health insurance plans.

Pulaski County Circuit Judge Wendell Griffen validated marriage licenses that were issued to same-sex couples after another judge struck down the state's gay marriage ban. The state Supreme Court halted the distribution of marriage licenses to gay couples after a week in May 2014 and is considering the appeal over a voter-approved same-sex marriage ban.

"With shameless disrespect for fundamental fairness and equality, (Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration Director Larry Walther) insists on treating the marriages of same-sex couples who received marriage licenses between May 9 and May 15 as 'void from inception as a matter of law,'" Griffen wrote in his ruling.

A spokesman for Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge did not have an immediate comment on Griffen's ruling.

Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/judge-arkansas-recognize-state-sex-marriages-31648493

[randys1]

1. I read somewhere Glenn Beck is bragging he has TEN THOUSAND preachers willing to DIE

to oppose Gay marriage.

My response is "hope so"

[Major Nikon]

3. I suggest self-immolation

I'd even be willing to contribute to a gasoline and matches fund.

[iandhr]

4. George Carlin spoke to that.

Skip to 1:53

"You won't see a lot of these pro-life people dousing themselves in kerosene and lighting themselves on fire. You know, morally committed religious people in South Vietnam knew how to stage a goddamn demonstration, didn't they?! They knew how to put on a fucking protest. Light yourself on FIRE!! C'mon, you moral crusaders, let's see a little smoke. To match that fire in your belly.

[olddad56]

2. I think that in Arkansas, you have always been able to marry your sister...

so does this mean that now you can marry you brother.

And my next question is that if they divorce, are they still siblings?

[Major Nikon]

6. You just had to make sure the sisters took their bath first

Otherwise they might show up pregnant.

[BigDemVoter]

5. Oh what a joy this will be to observe the heads spinning at work tomorrow!

I moved back to this hell hole 3 years ago and have had to listen to every homophobic comment you can imagine. These poor folks think their religion is under attack and that they are going to start having to have "secret worship services." As far as I'm concerned, I would love it if they did. I am frankly tired of being handed "daily reflections" at work as they assume EVERYBODY is christian. But wait. . . Christianity is under attack!