USA-COURT/GAY MARRIAGE-TENNESSEE REACTION Tennessee "disappointed" by ruling, says implementation "will take time"

Record ID: 135346

  • Title: USA-COURT/GAY MARRIAGE-TENNESSEE REACTION Tennessee "disappointed" by ruling, says implementation "will take time"
  • Date: 26th June 2015
  • Summary: WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES (JUNE 26, 2015) (REUTERS) DEMONSTRATORS IN FRONT OF SUPREME COURT GAY MARRIAGE OPPONENTS WITH BANNER READING "ONE MAN, ONE WOMAN" ANTI-GAY MARRIAGE SIGN GAY MARRIAGE OPPONENT WITH SIGN 12. PEOPLE RUNNING OUT OF SUPREME COURT WITH GAY MARRIAGE DECISION DEMONSTRATORS IN FRONT OF SUPREME COURT VARIOUS OF CROWDS CHEERING DECISION
  • Embargoed: 11th July 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVABM3X2WHR5QL02V3MFUW77NPLG
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Tennessee officials acknowledged disappointment over the Supreme Court's ruling on gay marriage but said on Friday (June 26) that they've told state clerks to begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
    Tennessee was one of 13 states where bans on same-sex marriage had been in place. The list includes Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Texas.
    "Our reaction to the decision is one of disappointment. We had argued that defining message should be left to the states. Traditional marriages have existed for millennia, not centuries or decades," Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slavery said.
    Slatery went on to say that Tennessee would respect the decision.
    "Our advice to the county clerks this morning was to commence issuing marriage licenses as soon as possible," Slatery said.
    Slatery called on the public to be patient with the state as they navigate changes to forms related to the change.
    "This is a landmark decision and implementation will take time," Slatery said. "It will not happen overnight, despite the best of intentions, but it will happen in Tennessee."
    Throughout the country, implementation proved uneven. Same-sex marriage remained on hold in Louisiana and Mississippi. In Texas, scores of same-sex couples in major cities lined up to receive their marriage licenses in about 10 counties, although more than 200 counties in less populated areas were not yet issuing licenses.
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