A conservative group called Florida Family Action is asking a judge to prevent Orlando's mayor, a county clerk of courts and other officials from officiating over same-sex nuptials or issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples when Florida's ban on same-sex marriage is set to expire next week, the Associated Press reports. Those officials are the only ones who have publicly said they plan to issue same-sex marriage licenses or preside over same-sex weddings.
FFA argues that the ban has only lifted in Washington County in Florida's Panhandle, where the lawsuit challenging the state's ban on same-sex marriage found success. Lawyers for the attorney general's office argued that U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle's decision only applies to the couple seeking a marriage license in Washington County and that instructions were never issued to all 67 court clerks, who are "independent constitutional" officers, across Florida, Christian Science Monitor reported.
The judge is expected to issue a clarifying order before the ban expires next week.
Lawyer and Legal Journalist
