The Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court has denied the State of South Carolina’s request to halt marriage in the Palmetto State. What does this mean?
In a desperate attempt to thwart progress and the inevitable, Attorney General Alan Wilson Tuesday evening filed a motion requesting U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts stay a ruling that struck down South Carolina’s ban on same-sex marriage.
Just two hours before a federal judge’s stay on his own ruling was to expire – at noon today – Justice Roberts responded: no.
The Court’s response was terse.
“The application for stay presented to The Chief Justice and by him referred to the Court is denied. Justice Scalia and Justice Thomas would grant the application for stay.”
There are no more barriers to same-sex couples marrying in the State of South Carolina. Same-sex couples can begin filing for licenses at noon. One jurisdiction allowed couples to register and marry yesterday.
Â
UPDATE:Â Watch Live Now: Same-Sex Couples Getting Marriage Licenses In South Carolina
Â
This post has been updated to reflect local licensing rules.
Image via Twitter