Louisiana government finally agrees to recognise same-sex marriage

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Despite fierce opposition from Governor Bobby Jindal, the Louisiana administration has agreed to recognise same-sex marriages.

New Orleans has become the last part of the state to begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

Orleans parish is under the control of the state agencies – unlike other districts – so the issuing of marriage licences was put on hold by the state. Same-sex couples were travelling out of New Orleans, to Algiers, to obtain a license.

Olivia Hwang, spokeswoman for the Department of Vital Records said: “Today the Eastern District Court of Louisiana ordered the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals to begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples who complete a marriage application at the Department’s Office of Vital Records in Orleans Parish.”

Most states began allow same-sex marriage immediately after the Supreme Court ruling, which stated that same-sex marriage was a constitutional right.

However Lousiana, under the direction of Governor Bobby Jindal, held out until forced to do so by a lower court.

Mr Jindal appears to be declining to comment on the issue, directing questions away to other agencies. According to the Times-Picayune, a spokesman for his office said: “This order directs the agencies to comply and all questions about processing benefits should be directed to them.”

Louisiana held it’s first same-sex wedding earlier this week.

 

 

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