Politics & Government
Same-Sex Marriage Licenses Available in Montgomery County
Licenses can be obtained at the Circuit Court, but won't take effect until Jan. 1.
The Montgomery County Marriage License Office is accepting applications for same-sex marriage.
Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) signed a proclamation enabling Maryland courthouses to issue the licenses last week so that same-sex couples could be legally wed as of Jan. 1, when the state law recognizing same-sex marriage takes effect.
“We got about 20 calls asking would we be taking marriage applications for same sex marriage, so I was expecting at least 10 of them to come in," Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk Loretta Knight told The Gazette.
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Knight said one woman was at the office when they opened at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 6, the first day it was legal to apply.
However, those eager to wed at the courthouse in Rockville on the first day will have to wait, as it will be closed on Jan. 1.
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Those planning to be married at the courthouse must make an appointment. Knight said she does have same sex-weddings scheduled for the courthouse.
Maryland's attorney general issued a statement last month that courts could begin issuing licenses as soon as the governor signed same-sex marriage into law, The Washington Post reported. The licenses won't take effect until Jan. 1.
For more information on obtaining a marriage license, contact the Montgomery County Circuit Court, at 50 Maryland Ave., in Rockville by calling 240-777-9460.
The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Marriage license applications are not taken after 4 p.m. Licenses carry a $55 fee.
