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Three separate lawsuits challenging Florida’s constitutional ban on gay marriage are pending rulings. The lawsuits were filed in different counties across Florida, including Miami-Dade County. Circuit Judge Sarah Zabel is expected to announce her ruling in the Miami-Dade lawsuit at any moment. The plaintiffs, as well as supporters and opponents of same-sex marriage, have been anxiously awaiting her decision since the July 2 hearing. The rulings in each case will impact the respective county in which the lawsuits have been filed, but other counties throughout Florida will not be required to recognize the decisions.
“Decision Day” events are being planned across the state to celebrate the cases regardless of the decisions. As of now, there are 11 gatherings planned across Florida to take place on the day of the decision at 6 p.m.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Maryanne Morse the Seminole County Clerk of Courts, has already announced that her office will not issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples if any, or all, of the judges rule in favor of the same-sex couples. Eddie Fernandez, the Orange County Clerk of Courts, is waiting to read the ruling prior to making a decision.
In Florida, couples may obtain a marriage license anywhere within the state, regardless of which county they reside.