Gay Marriage Cleared in All FL Counties

A federal judge in Florida cleared the way Thursday for same-sex marriages licenses to be issued in all counties of the Sunshine State, starting Jan. 6. There had been some confusion after Judge Robert Hinkle’s initial ruling on the issue because it was not clear whether his ruling applied only to Washington County or to all Florida counties. He issued a clarification Thursday, writing, “There should be no debate, however, on the question of whether a clerk of court may follow the ruling, even for marriage-license applicants who are not parties to this case.” A stay on the ruling was set to expire at midnight on Jan. 5; Hinkle said he would not extend the stay.