TALLAHASSEE, FLA. (WTXL) - U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle set a Monday deadline for the state to respond to whether county clerks should begin issuing marriage licenses to same sex couples.
Judge Hinkle struck down Florida's ban on same-sex marriages following the lawsuit of Steve Shlairet and Ozzie Russ who were denied a marriage license by the Washington county clerk. Now clerks are wary to start handing out licenses when the stay is lifted on January 5th, saying they don't know whether the ruling applies just to Washington county or the entire state.
A Leon county couple who originally challenged the ban, after being unable to designate each other as spouses in their state retirement benefits program, is hoping to hear that their marriage will soon be recognized by the state.
James Brenner and Charles Jones say such recognition will provide them with emotional value, as well as many overlooked spousal benefits. James and Charles have been together for over 20 years and believe they're entitled to the same benefits any other married couple has.
