Despite earlier reports that stated same-sex marriage would not begin in South Carolina until Thursday at noon, Probate Judge Irvin Condon has begun issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples who had filed for them prior to October 9 of this year. It was on that date when Condon was ordered to stop granting licenses to same-sex couples. Six couples have reportedly said “I do” thanks to the move made by Condon and, unless U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts steps in, more couples will be able to make it official starting tomorrow. WCSC reports:
According to Nichols [Judge Condon's attorney], Judge Condon can issue the licenses due to a US district court ruling filed Tuesday that orders South Carolina to legally recognize same-sex marriages that were performed in other states where same-sex marriage is legal.
Judge Condon began issuing the licenses to applicants who met all qualifications starting Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. According to Nichols, Judge Condon could have waited until Thursday at Noon to begin issuing licenses.
All marriage applications require a 24-hour waiting period, which Nichols says has already passed in these cases.
“We're absolutely thrilled! We knew going into this we weren't doing it for ourselves but doing it for us, my son and for all the other people who really were afraid to take that step forward,” said Condon shortly after the ruling came down Tuesday.
Kayla Bennett and Kristin Anderson (pictured above) had the state's first officially recognized same-sex wedding. Also present today were Charleston County councilwoman Colleen Condon and her fiance, Nichols Bleckley. The pair were first in line to receive their marriage license this morning. Bleckledy said, “I do hope that every parent, teacher takes a moment today to explain to kids what's going on and how historic this moment is.”
Watch a new report on Condon's decision, AFTER THE JUMP…
[Photo via Twitter]
