SC Couples Apply for Same-Sex Marriage Licenses, Wilson Files for Injunction

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Late Wednesday afternoon, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson filed a motion for a temporary injunction against Charleston Probate Judge Irvin Condon. Condon is reportedly the judge that granted a marriage license to a same-sex couple Wednesday morning. Wilson’s motion comes after a day of celebrating for same-sex couples, and their supporters, across the state. While the gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual community rallied on the steps of the State House Wednesday, a Richland County couple applied for a same-sex marriage license. “It feels kind of amazing, but kind of like it should’ve happened 10 years ago,” said Ed Madden. Madden and his partner, Bert Easter wed in a Union ceremony in Charleston in 2005. But, to this day, their union is not recognized legally in the state. “We’re together, our lives are socially, emotionally, financially and every other way part of one another,” said Madden. They, like a Charleston couple, were among the first in the state to fill out a marriage license on Wednesday. But, neither license is a done deal. The Charleston couple will have to wait a mandated 24 hours before their license is officially granted. Ed Madden and Bert Easter’s application for a marriage license will remain on file. A local judge isn’t accepting fees or officially granting licenses until a ruling on Bradacs v. Wilson is made. “Right now, we are going to exhaust every option until we have none. That is my constitutional oath that I took 4 years ago,” said S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson, when speaking with reporters Tuesday. Governor Nikki Haley says she will respect the rule of law as decided by the courts on gay marriage. Haley says she personally believes marriage should only be between a man and a woman and she took an oath to uphold the state constitution, which bans same-sex unions. Five thousand petition letters in support to stop the fight against same-sex marriage were reportedly delivered to Attorney General Wilson’s office on Wednesday. As for the motion for a temporary injunction, filed by Wilson, ABC Columbia will continue to follow further developments.