Louisiana government finally agrees to recognise same-sex marriage
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.
