North Texas

North Texas Clerks Prepare for Court Decision on Same-Sex Marriage

With a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage expected as early as Thursday, county clerks in North Texas are making early preparations for the possibility of issuing marriage licenses.

In Dallas County, hours will be extended at the downtown county clerk's office, and there will be extra staff on hand if the court decides states cannot ban same-sex marriage.

But first, the Dallas County clerk must get the go-ahead from District Attorney Susan Hawk.

"If the opinion comes down at 9 [a.m.] and the D.A. says, 'You have a clear path, the Supreme Court has overturned the ban, you can issue a marriage license to a same-sex couple,' we will start within an hour or so," said Dallas County Clerk John Warren.

In Tarrant County, spokesman Marc Flake released at statement, saying, in part: "The Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office has indicated they will inform our office if there is a change to laws governing the issuance of a marriage license between persons of the same sex. In the event such a notification is received, there will be no unnecessary delay in issuing such a license."

The Denton County clerk tells NBC 5 when there is a decision, she will consult with the district attorney on how to proceed.

The Collin County clerk has not responded to a request for comment.

Kenneth Denson and Gabriel Mendez say they plan to be at the front of the line, if the ban is overturned. They want to be legally married in their own state, quickly.

"I expect state politicians will try to stay it in some way, but we really, it's just, we have waited 15 years and we don't want to wait another minute," said Denson.

As for opposition, Denson and Mendez said they know there is plenty of it. Texans voted for a constitutional amendment in 2005, saying marriage is between a man and a woman.

"If your religion precludes you from being involved in or officiating at gay weddings, that's perfectly fine. But the rest of us have a right to get married, and I think the Supreme Court is going to affirm that right," said Denson.

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