JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A federal judge has clarified a ruling and paved the way for same-sex couples to get marriage certificates in Florida.
The ruling from Judge Robert Hinkle was issued on Thursday. The ruling is a response to the state's request for clarification about whether Hinkle's ruling applied to one specific case or all couples.
The judge said the ruling applies to all couples, calling Florida's same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional. That paves the way for local clerks of court to issue marriage licenses starting Tuesday.
"We are happy and excited," said Jessica Osborn, Statewide Field Manager for Equality Florida. "Same sex couples are like any other family and they deserve respect."
Osborn called the ruling a big step forward, but says the work is far from over.
Action News reported Wednesday that some county clerks in the area said they would stop offering courthouse wedding ceremonies to avoid performing ceremonies for same-sex couples. Among those counties canceling wedding ceremonies are Duval, Clay and Baker.
Duval County Clerk of Court Ronnie Fussell told the Florida-Times Union that none of his staff members who currently officiate wedding ceremonies felt comfortable performing same-sex weddings. Fussell said state law requires him to issue marriage licenses, not to perform ceremonies.
"If it does make somebody uncomfortable I believe they do have that right to say no," said Marvin McQueen II, Pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church, Jax Beach.
McQueen agrees with Fussell's decision and believes the federal judges ruling is a step in the wrong direction for Florida's future. "I think there's a long term effect that I think people are ignoring," said McQueen.
Action News has reached out to Fussell for his reaction to the latest ruling, and we're waiting to hear back. Fussell did release a statement after the order, saying his staff would be prepared to issue licenses to all applicants on Tuesday.
Attorney General Bondi released the following statement saying, "This office has sought to minimize confusion and uncertainty, and we are glad the Court has provided additional guidance. My office will not stand in the way as clerks of court determine how to proceed."
WJAX
