15 Attorneys General To Congress: Keep Tax Exemptions For Anti-Gay Groups

Nobody is talking about doing it, but just in case!

As same-sex couples begin to marry in South Dakota, Attorney General Marty Jackley wants to make sure the religious liberties of citizens who object to gay marriages are protected, the state’s top law enforcement official said. Jackley this week joined 14 of his fellow chief legal officers in sending a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker John Boehner, petitioning them to continue tax exemptions for religious organizations that oppose same-sex marriage. The attorney general said the letter aims to ensure that the religious liberties of people and organizations who oppose same-sex marriages are protected. “The Supreme Court’s decision and analysis on equal protection and due process must coexist with the constitutional right to freedom of religion,” Jackley said in an interview. “And in South Dakota, we will work to respect both in compliance with the court’s directive.”

Last week Jackley declared that anti-gay South Dakota state employees can ask other staffers to deal with any icky gays who wander in expecting a marriage license. (Tipped by JMG reader Dave)

SOUTH DAKOTA: Attorney General Marty Jackley To Appeal Gay Marriage Ruling

"It remains the State’s position that the institution of marriage should be defined by the voters of South Dakota and not the federal courts. Because this case presents substantial legal questions and substantial public interest the Federal Court has stayed its judgment allowing South Dakota law to remain in effect pending the appeal." - GOP South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley, in a statement posted to his state website. Jackley was first appointed attorney general in 2009, winning reelection in 2010 and 2014. He is the president-elect of the National Association of Attorneys General, which is currently headed by Mississippi AG Jim Hood.

RELATED: The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals has jurisdiction over seven states. Appeals from Arkansas and Missouri are pending.