Boulder clerk refuses to stop same-sex licenses

Boulder County’s clerk says she’ll continue to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples despite the threat of legal action by Colorado Attorney General John Suthers.

Hillary Hall announced the move Tuesday after Suthers’ office agreed to give her more time to consider whether to ask the state Supreme Court whether she has the authority to issue the licenses.

Suthers’ office gave Hall until next week to think the offer over but insisted she stop issuing the licenses in the meantime, or face unspecified legal action.

Colorado’s constitution bans same-sex unions. But Hall began issuing licenses last week after a federal appeals court overturned Utah’s gay marriage ban. That ruling was put on hold pending a possible appeal so Suthers and legal experts say it doesn’t have any legal effect yet.