Politics & Government

Same-Sex Couples Can Now Obtain Marriage Licenses in Howard County

The licenses will become effective on Jan. 1, 2013.

Beginning Thursday, Dec. 6, 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 couples can now legally marry, after Gov. Martin O'Malley signed a law 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.

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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.

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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.

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