According to a report by the Associated Press, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson filed a petition late Wednesday afternoon with the state Supreme Court.
In his petition, he is asking the state Supreme Court to stop a Charleston County judge from issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
On Wednesday, Charleston County Probate Judge Irvin G. Condon began granting applications for same-sex marriage licenses.
According to the South Carolina Equality officials, Charleston County Councilwoman Colleen Condon and her fiance Nichols Bleckley were first to go to the Charleston County Probate at 9 a.m. to apply for their marriage license.
Two days ago, the United States Supreme Court declined to take up appeals from five states seeking to prohibit gay marriages, including a decision from the fourth circuit which has jurisdiction over South Carolina.
After this move, the South Carolina Democratic Party issued the following statement:
“The action by the Supreme Court is a step forward for equality and sends a clear message of hope for South Carolina as we work to end discrimination against same sex couples in our state,” said SCDP Chairman Jaime Harrison. “Unfortunately, we have a long way to go in ending discrimination against the LGBT community here in South Carolina as workers can still face discrimination in the workplace based on who they are or who they love. We are proud to stand with the LGBT community, their families, and all allies as we all work together to move forward towards ending discrimination once and for all.”
Governor Nikki Haley spoke to News 2’s Raymond Owens about Condon’s move to begin granting applications for same-sex marriage licenses Wednesday.
“The constitution says that marriage is defined as between a man and a woman. It’s kind of a mess in the courts right now, so we’re waiting to see what the courts come back with, and then we’ll proceed accordingly. This is all pretty new. We woke up this morning and there is was,” Haley stated. “Michael and I have always believed that marriage is between a man and a woman.”
Haley added that ultimately it’s not what she believes but what is in the constitution that governs the state’s laws on same-sex marriage.
According to state attorneys, the legal issues around whether same-sex marriage is legal in the Palmetto State remains unresolved and have cited a decision by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy temporarily blocking gay marriage in Idaho and a pending South Carolina case.
Wilson is reportedly asking the Supreme Court to rule before the 24-hour window closes Thursday morning.
At this time, it’s not clear if and when the court justices might rule.
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