SC: Other cases make suit over gay couple’s name change moot

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — State officials say a same-sex couple’s lawsuit challenging the Department of Motor Vehicles’ policy on driver’s license name changes is moot.

In papers filed in federal court Tuesday, state attorneys say recent decisions allowing gay marriages in South Carolina — and subsequent policy changes by state agencies — mean same-sex married couples can change their names if they meet other requirements.

In November, government agencies in South Carolina began recognizing gay marriages, giving health care coverage to spouses and children of same-sex couples. They also let residents change their last name on their driver’s license if they show a marriage license.

The state says the marriage issue has not been fully resolved by the U.S. Supreme Court but also argue that state policy already allows driver’s license name changes.

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Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP