Attorney for Gay Couple: ‘We’re Not Surprised’

Columbia, S.C.  (WOLO)  —  An attorney for married, same-sex couple, Katherine Bradacs and Tracie Goodwin, says they are prepared to move forward in their efforts to have the state of South Carolina recognize the couple’s union, thus, overturning the state’s ban on same-sex marriage that’s been in place since 1996.

Carrie Warner and John Nichols, lawyers representing the couple, say they expect to hopefully stand before a judge by early Spring to state their case.  They cite a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision shows states cannot outlaw same-sex marriages because they do not approve of them morally. U.S. District Court judge for the District of South Carolina, Judge J. Michelle Childs, is taking over after U.S. District Court judge for the District of South Carolina, Judge Joseph Anderson, took himself off the case. The couple’s attorney tells ABC Columbia News that Anderson stated his association with the Boy Scouts of America, recently under scrutiny because of concerns of homosexual Scouts in leadership, is not a good look.

Warner and Nichols say they look forward to meeting with attorneys for Gov. Nikki Haley and Attorney General Alan Wilson before heading to court.  

“We will take this to the U.S. Supreme Court, if necessary,” said Warner.