Same-sex marriage licenses awarded in Pennsylvania
PHILADELPHIA (AP) – Gay couples are racing to pick up marriage licenses in Pennsylvania after a federal judge threw out the state’s ban on same-sex unions.
County offices in Philadelphia are staying open late to give out applications. The office in Pittsburgh is taking applications online.
Couples must still wait three days to get married, unless a sympathetic judge grants a waiver.
Joe Parisi and Steven Seminelli hurried from work to get their marriage license at Philadelphia City Hall.
Parisi says they didn’t want to miss their chance. The licenses could be put on hold if Republican Gov. Tom Corbett appeals Tuesday’s court decision.
Corbett hasn’t said if he will appeal.
U.S. District Judge John Jones’ ruling calls the same-sex couples who challenged the ban “courageous.”
Pennsylvania was the last Northeast state to outlaw gay marriage.
