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LISTEN: Understanding Same-Sex Marriage In Florida

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2015 began with a clarification over same-sex marriages in Florida. All county clerks can issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples beginning Tuesday, Jan. 6.

Before that happens, take a moment to hear this interview with the Miami Herald's Steve Rothaus. You'll learn all the background info you need to understand what's going on in the courts locally and in Tallahassee.

Key points:

  • Less than a decade ago, Floridians voted for a constitutional amendment declaring marriage to be a union between one man and one woman.
  • This past summer, Monroe County's William Lee Jones and Aaron Hunstman won the first court ruling overturning Florida's ban on same-sex marriage.
  • In November of 2014, State Attorney General Pam Bondi after winning re-election vowed to continue to uphold the law banning same-sex marriage.
  • On New Year's Day, U.S. District Judge Robert L. Hinkle stated all county clerks in Florida to uphold the U.S. Constitution, according to which he said the state's ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional.
  • Publix, a company Rothaus says until recently hadn't even given domestic partner benefits, announced last week it would insure same-sex couples.
  • Rothaus says same-sex marriage in Florida is a settled matter unless an appeals court overrules Judge Hinkle.

Click here for information about South Florida courts issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

Tom Hudson is WLRN's Senior Economics Editor and Special Correspondent.
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