Same-Sex Couples Can Now Obtain Marriage Licenses in Howard County
The licenses will become effective on Jan. 1, 2013.
Photos
Beginning Thursday (today), same-sex couples can get marriage licenses in Howard County. Once filed, the licenses will become effective on Jan. 1, 2013, according to the Marriage License Department of the Circuit Court for Howard County.
Same-sex marriage was signed into law by Gov. Martin O'Malley on March 1 and voters upheld the law on election day by approving Question 6.
After the law was upheld, there was a question as to whether same-sex couples would be able to receive a license before Jan. 1, the day the law officially goes into effect, according to the Baltimore Sun. Because marriage licenses require a 48-hour waiting period in Howard County beginning the day after a couple files, this would mean same-sex couples wouldn't be able to wed until Jan. 4.
However, Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler concluded county clerks could issue licenses as soon as the governor declared the referendum results accurate, according to the Sun.
On Thursday morning, Governor O'Malley signed the results.
More information on how to obtain a marriage license in Howard County can be found on Howard County Circuit Court's website.
Related Articles
Joe
12:41 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Why would anyone want to marry if their combined income would be over $250,000 if they reported under $200,00 as an individual? they will be hit with the "screw the millionaire's tax" coming up in January?
number9dream
7:10 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Why would anyone want to marry?
Justin case
10:31 pm on Monday, December 10, 2012
Now its " Adam & Steve ". Jesus would be so proud I'm sure