Same-sex couples in El Paso County must wait to receive marriage licenses

The El Paso County Clerk and Recorder’s Office isn’t issuing marriage licenses until it receives an official notice from the Attorney General’s Office.

On Monday some Colorado counties, including Pueblo, began issuing marriage licenses, after the state Attorney General announced same-sex marriage will be legal in Colorado, when the 10th circuit court and lower court lift stay orders. The Attorney General’s office said it could be a matter of days.

It was exciting news for Jack and Devin Danielsen. The two have been together for six years.

“What it means for us now, is we can actually start planning our wedding knowing that this is going to be in place,” Jack Danielsen said. “It’s such a great feeling, because you feel more like a part of the community now. We don’t feel like second-class citizens anymore. This is something we can do.”

Not everyone is applauding the announcement. Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs said it’s disappointing.

“But actually no matter what the Supreme Court says, or despite the outcome of any legal dispute or legal case, our mission at Focus on the Family never changes,” Judicial Analyst Bruce Hausknecht said. “We are going to address the importance of one-man-one-woman marriage to families, to societies, and especially on behalf of children who have a right to a mom and a dad.”

The El Paso County Clerk and Recorder’s Office spokesperson said their job isn’t to make or interpret the law, but to administer it. And they are preparing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples once they get the official approval.

“We’re doing what we can to be prepared to administer the law, whether that’s later today or two weeks from now,” Ryan Parsell said.