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Couples Line Up To Get Married After Arkansas Gay Marriage Ban Struck Down

gay marriage
Jacqueline Froelich
/
KUAF

State lawyers plan to appeal a judge's decision overturning the constitutional amendment overwhelmingly passed by Arkansas voters in 2004 banning gay marriage. But not before 15 licenses were issued for same-sex couples in Carroll County.

Gay marriage arrived in the Bible Belt Saturday, beginning with two women who traveled overnight to ensure they'd be first in line.

Deputy Clerk Jane Osborn says 15 licenses were issued for same-sex couples in Carroll County.

Pulaski County Circuit Judge Chris Piazza paved the way Friday with a ruling that removed a 10-year-old barrier and overturned a 1997 state law banning gay marriage. But because Piazza didn't issue a stay, Arkansas' 75 county clerks had to decide for themselves whether to grant marriage licenses.

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel said Saturday he'll appeal Piazza's ruling.

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