US Supreme Court refuses to block equal marriage in South Carolina
The US Supreme Court has refused to block same-sex marriages in South Carolina.
It has declined a request by Attorney General Alan Wilson to do so.
The Republican prosecutor had wanted the marriages blocked while he challenges a judge’s recent decision in favour of marriage equality.
However, on Thursday, AP reports only Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas were willing to grant a stay.
Mr Wilson said he will continue with his legal challenge.
“Despite today’s refusal to grant our motion, the US Supreme Court has not yet resolved conflicting rulings by federal appeals courts on the issue of same-sex marriage,” Mr Wilson said. “When the US Supreme Court decides to consider the case, our office will be supporting the position of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, which is more consistent with South Carolina State law, which upholds the unique status of traditional marriage.”
Colleen Condon, a Charleston woman who sued to get a same-sex marriage licence with her partner, Nichols Bleckley, hailed the news from the Supreme Court.
“‘With liberty and justice’ for all means more to me now than ever—it gives me chills,” Ms Condon said in a statement. “Finally my family is equal in the eyes of the state I grew up and made my life in.”
