Thursday, January 9, 2014

Utah Says It Won't Recognize Validity of Gay Marriages Performed Before SCOTUS Stay

Utah Governor Gary Herbert announced on Wednesday that the state would not recognize same-sex marriages performed before the Supreme Court issued a stay on Judge Robert Shelby's ruling striking down the state's ban, the Salt Lake Tribune reports
 
Herbert
In a letter to state agencies, Derek Miller, chief of staff to Gov. Gary Herbert, said those marriages will be "on hold" while it appeals the decision by U.S. District Court Judge Robert J. Shelby.

Please understand this position is not intended to comment on the legal status of those same-sex marriages," the letter said. "That is for the courts to decide."

With a stay in place, the original laws governing marriage in Utah are again in effect.

"Wherever individuals are in the process of availing themselves of state services related to same-sex marital status, that process is on hold and will stay exactly in that position until a final court decision is issued," the letter said.

Utah's attorney general Sean Reyes says the state has been unable to determine the "ultimate validity" of the marriages and will let the Court decide. Meanwhile, state agencies are being advised by a review team on what action they should take.

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