Equality Florida: County Clerks Can Marry Same-Sex Couples As Of January 6th

Last week, a memo by a Greenberg Traurig attorney "warned" County Clerks that they could be fined or prosecuted if they issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

According to several sources, this is not accurate.

From Equality Florida:

“Any Florida clerk who refuses to follow the Constitution's command and who withholds marriage licenses from couples once the stay expires is on the wrong side of history and the wrong side of the law,” said Shannon Minter, Legal Director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights. “A discredited memo from a law firm won't provide much protection against the risk of being sued for unconstitutional actions and being held liable for any damages — and attorney fees — incurred by couples as a result of withholding the freedom to marry. There is one Constitution, Florida is one state, and all Floridians are entitled to equal treatment throughout the state.”

If you read Judge Hinkle’s ruling, he is crystal clear in addressing the defendants in the case AND "other in active concert or participation with any of them":

“ The defendant Secretary of the Florida Department of Management Services and the defendant Florida Surgeon General must take no steps to enforce or apply these provisions on same-sex marriage: Florida Constitution, Article I/27; Florida Statutes 741.212; and Florida Statutes 741.04(1)…The preliminary injunction binds the Secretary, the Surgeon General, and their officers, agents, servants, employees and attorneys – and others in active concert or participation with any of them – who receive actual notice of this injunction by personal service or otherwise.”