DESOTO COUNTY, Miss. — Parts of Mississippi remained among the last places in the country to issue marriage licenses to same sex couples.
When the ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court first came down Friday, Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood advised counties to hold off until a stay was lifted on U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves’ order.
Even though Hood has since sent an email giving the go ahead, DeSoto County, the most populous county in the state, still won’t give the okay.
Hood’s email said the Supreme Court’s ruling was the law of the land, and if clerks do not comply with its ruling, they may risk getting sued.
Kelly and Heather Harrison said they might have to do that to get the rights they deserve.
“Yes. One hundred percent I would,” said Kelly when we asked if she would file a lawsuit.
The pair’s excitement quickly faded when they left the DeSoto County Circuit Clerk’s office Monday evening.
“I’m sad,” said Kelly as she held back tears.
Even though the two exchanged vows, their marriage has never been recognized in Mississippi.
They hoped to change that Monday since the Supreme Court lifted all same sex marriage bans nationwide.
“It makes me sad, and I have friends who say they are going to move out of Mississippi, because they want to marry to the people they love,” said Kelly.
DeSoto County Circuit Clerk Dale Thompson wouldn’t talk about why she’s choosing not to issue anyone same sex marriage licenses, just that she got the email and needs more direction.
We asked the AG’s office about her decision, and were told, “the decision is the circuit clerk’s to make,” but reiterated the Supreme Court ruling “is the law of the land.”
“I find it interesting they don’t want to abide by that. I think they are dragging their feet,” said Kelly.
Other same sex couples in DeSoto County were disappointed Monday too.
Nathan Tipton wants to see his marriage recognized.
“She needs to follow the law, and she is not doing it,” he said.
DeSoto County is not the only county in Mississippi choosing not to issue same sex marriage licenses.