While many are celebrating the Supreme Court’s decision in favor of marriage equality in the case of Obergefell v. Hodges, many others are still trying to resist the tide of progress.

Before the ruling came out last Friday, 15 states still had bans on same-sex marriage. Of those states, many welcomed the new era of marriage equality with open arms while some reluctantly and grudgingly complied with the “law of the land.” Only a few states are still fighting tooth and nail to “protect the freedom of religious beliefs.”

Here is a breakdown of how those 15 states are reacting to the Supreme Court’s ruling:

In Missouri, Governor Jay Nixon celebrated the ruling as “a major victory for equality … No one should be discriminated against because of who they are or who they love.” Governor Nixon plans to implement procedures as quickly as possible to allow same-sex couples to marry.

In a few other states, couples wasted no time getting their marriage licenses. In Kentucky, the first same-sex couple was getting a marriage license in Jefferson County by 10:14 a.m., barely over an hour after the Supreme Court’s decision came out.

Less Enthusiastic, Still Willing

Some states were definitely less enthusiastic about the decision. In Georgia, Governor Nathan Deal said, “While I believe that his issue should be decided by the states and by legislatures, not the federal judiciary, I also believe in the rule of law. The State of Georgia is subject to the laws of the United States, and we will follow them.”

This sentiment was reflected in Alabama, Arkansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Michigan, and Tennessee. But despite their lack of enthusiasm, these states have all started issuing marriage licenses to same sex couples.

Two States Holding Back

Two states are trying to hold out for as long as possible. Mississippi is not issuing any marriage licenses to same-sex couples at this time. Kansas is also “reviewing the ruling further” before it succumbs to issuing same-sex marriage licenses.

And Then There’s Texas

Finally, there’s Texas. Texas can’t seem to figure out if it’s in support of the ruling or against it.

Several Texas counties, including Dallas County, have already begun issuing licenses to same-sex couples. In neighboring counties, such as Denton County, officials refuse to issue marriage licenses pending legal advice.

Meanwhile, Texas’ Governor Abbott issued a statement declaring, “No Texan is required by the Supreme Court’s decision to act contrary to his or he religious beliefs regarding marriage.”

If you are still being discriminated against in your attempt to get a marriage license, consult with a same-sex marriage attorney for help.

Related Resources:

  • Browse
  • Same Sex Family Lawyers by Location (FindLaw’s Lawyer Directory)
  • Some States Are Still Trying To Resist Gay Marriage (Huffington Post)
  • How Will the Upcoming SCOTUS Decision Affect Same Sex Marriage? (FindLaw’s Law and Daily Life)
  • Happy Loving Day: Loving v. Va. Still Relevant 48 Years Later (FindLaw’s Supreme Court of the United States)

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