Seven Central Florida Counties: We'll Issue Same-Sex Marriage Licenses On Schedule

According to a survey conducted today by Orlando's CBS affiliate, seven Central Florida county clerks say they will be issuing same-sex marriage licenses on schedule when the stay dissolves. Osceola County Clerk Armando Ramirez, the renegade for equality in this ridiculous saga, is sticking to his original plan to open his office at midnight on Monday. Ramirez was the sole county clerk who had declared his intention to ignore the warning of the legal group that represents Florida's county clerks, a warning that was rescinded yesterday afternoon. Earlier this week Ramirez and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer were sued by the Liberty Counsel and the Florida Family Policy Council over their plans to conduct same-sex weddings on Tuesday.

NOTE: At this writing no Florida county clerk has declared an intention to refuse to issue licenses in the wake of yesterday's ruling by federal Judge Robert Hinkle, but some county offices are closed today. At least three Florida county clerks have announced that they will end all courthouse weddings rather than officiate for gay couples.