ARKANSAS: Marriage Plaintiffs File Two Motions Requesting Denial Of Stay

Noon today was the deadline for motions in the marriage equality case that is likely headed to the Arkansas Supreme Court. The plaintiffs filed two new motions.

Late this morning, the plaintiffs in the original lawsuit filed a motion asking the Arkansas Supreme Court to deny Monday's request for a stay of Piazza's order that was filed by a group of county clerks. The County Clerk Appellants' asked the court to separate White, Washington, Lonoke and Conway counties from the order. The motion cites the appellants' contention that Piazza's order created a "lack of clarity as to the current state of the law" and says the stay "should be denied and dismissed because County Clerk Appellants have failed to allege facts or law establishing" their entitlement for the stay. The motion states that "the proper remedy to resolve any uncertainty as to the intended scope of the May 9 Order is to request that the Circuit Court clarify and correct the Order." The plaintiffs in the original lawsuit also filed a motion today seeking to stop the request for an emergency stay in the case that was filed Monday by Attorney General Dustin McDaniel. The plaintiffs disagree with the state's claim that the May 9 Order be stayed "to avoid confusion and uncertainty about the effect of the Order on Arkansas marriage law."

Today over 75 same-sex couples were issued marriage licenses in Pulaski and Washington counties, the only two counties still doing so.