Same-Sex Couples Continue To Marry, Despite Legal Uncertainty Of Gay Marriage Ban Ruling

Update: U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb has issued a final order that strikes down Wisconsin’s ban on same-sex marriage, but she has also put a stay on that order. Read more here.

Several more same-sex couples got married on Friday morning, despite uncertainty over what sort of order a federal judge will hand down regarding the overturned same-sex marriage ban.

Brandon Bennett and Kyle Anderson were among the couples getting a marriage license at the Milwaukee County Clerk’s Office and then heading upstairs for a ceremony conducted by a court commissioner. Bennett said he and his partner have been together 10 years and decided that Friday morning would be the best time to get married.

“We were waiting to see how (the initial ruling) would play out, but with the animosity towards same-sex marriages, as well as the fervor, especially around the attorney general, who seems to really want to ban them until the appeals go through … We decided we really didn’t want to wait for any more legality, and take advantage of this legal window,” said Bennett.

Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen has also been suggesting that all the same-sex marriages that have taken place in Wisconsin over the last week may not be legal. Bennett hopes Van Hollen is wrong. He said that he and Anderson are about to strengthen their financial partnership.

“We are actually purchasing our first house at the end of the month, so let’s get our legal ducks in a row as best we can,” said Bennett.

A court commissioner who married another male couple this morning suggested they check back with the county clerk in about seven to 10 days, to see if the state has finished processing the couple’s marriage license.