IDAHO: Gov. Butch Otter Surrenders, Marriage Licenses Issued In One County

"The Supreme Court’s order lifting Justice Kennedy’s stay effectively allows same-sex marriage in Idaho as soon as the 9th Circuit directs compliance with its decision. I disagree with the court’s conclusion, which negates the 2006 vote of the people of Idaho, is contrary to the values of most Idahoans, and undermines fundamental states’ rights. But we are a nation of laws. Idaho now should proceed with civility and in an orderly manner to comply with any forthcoming order from the 9th Circuit." - Gov. Butch Otter.

The Spokesman Review reports that one Idaho county has issued marriage licenses without waiting for the formal order from the Ninth Circuit.

Latah County has now issued three marriage licenses to same-sex couples, and three more are waiting; the clerk’s office there closes in 11 minutes. “I think there’s going to be six when we finish,” said county Clerk Susan Petersen. She said she believes Latah is the only county that decided to issue licenses this afternoon. “We were given a directive to wait for the written mandate from the 9th Circuit and to keep in contact with our prosecuting attorneys,” she said, “and our prosecuting attorney’s office gave me the opinion that I needed to proceed with the marriage licenses.” She said her office attracted a crowd this afternoon, and she described the mood among the crowd as “very jubilant.”

Latah County is home to the University of Idaho.