Update 4:33 pm Carbon County Officials have had sufficient time to review the court rulings today and will be issuing marriage licences to same sex couples until further notice. Everyone is closely watching this ruling as it winds its way through the appeal process. Feeling caught off guard by the Friday ruling by Federal Judge Robert J. Shelby where it was decided for the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah that Utah’s same-sex marriage ban is unconstitutional, Carbon County officials have issued a statement. Carbon County will not be issuing marriage licences to same sex couples pending rulings by the courts. Carbon County Clerk/Auditor Seth Oveson said they had little else to say on the matter at this time. Only one couple has come in looking to get a marriage licence as of 1:00 pm on Monday. Salt Lake County has been issuing licences and performing marriages since Friday afternoon. “The State’s current laws deny its gay and lesbian citizens their fundamental right to marry and, in so doing, demean the dignity of these same-sex couples for no rational reason,” Shelby stated as his opinion. “Accordingly, the court finds that these laws are unconstitutional.” On Friday afternoon, the 10th circuit court ruled against an emergency stay. On Monday, the Judge Shelby refused to reverse his decision, paving the way for another appeal for an emergency stay to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. Utah Gov. Gary Herbert, a Republican, said in a statement Saturday that the ruling “has created a chaotic situation” in the state. He urged Shelby to grant the motion to stay the decision until the state’s appeal can be heard. Oveson said the any ruling by the courts will be reviewed by the county’s legal staff before Carbon County makes any decision on changes to their procedures on who may be issued a marriage license. Emery County is issuing licences for same sex couples if they request one. As of yet, there has been no one show up at the Castle Dale Courthouse.
*Update* Carbon County is Issuing Same Sex Marriage Licenses
