Montgomery County To Issue Marriage Licenses To Same Sex Couples
By Brad Segall, Walt Hunter
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- Officials in Montgomery County say the county is ready to issue marriage licenses to same sex couples even though gay marriages and civil unions are not recognized in Pennsylvania.
County officials say two women approached them about a week ago asking to apply for a marriage license. Register of Wills Bruce Hanes and his lawyer determined it was legal to issue the license. The women, after having conversations with the ACLU, never showed up Tuesday afternoon to apply.
Commissioner Josh Shapiro still hopes this opens the door for other couples to approach the county.
"And it's my hope, as it's been my hope for many years, that we can bring marriage equality to Pennsylvania and we want to be at the forefront of that discussion right here in Montgomery County," said Shapiro.
He says this clearly shows they are open and respectful to all people in the county.
The American Civil Liberties Union has launched a challenge to Pennsylvania's ban on same sex marriages. The attorney for the two women says his clients were concerned the license would be challenged on procedural grounds and the courts wouldn't address the issue of marriage equality.
