Following the Supreme Court's denial to hear marriage equality cases, five states' attorneys general, county clerks, and thousands of couples are preparing to mobilize.
Virginia's Attorney General, Mark Herring, has stated that marriages will begin in that state as soon as today, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. According to Herring, once the 4th Circuit issues a mandate at 1:00 PM today, "marriages can then begin. What a momentous and joyous day for thousands of Virginians."
In Wisconsin, Dane County, where Madison is located, and Outgamie County, where Appleton is located, have started issuing marriage licenses. However, Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen, has said that the state will now switch from defending the ban to enacting marriage equality. "Today's action by the U.S. Supreme Court allows (same-sex unions) to take effect," Dana Brueck, a spokesperson for Van Hollen, said. "The department, having made every effort to fulfill its duty to defend the state constitution, will now work with its state agency clients to implement the order."
The Associated Press has reported that Indiana Attorney General has said that it will communicate with clerks "to minimize chaos and confusion at local courthouses." Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller issued a statement today: "Our nation and all sides involved needed a conclusive Supreme Court ruling to bring finality to the legal question of state authority to adhere to the traditional definition of marriage. Although it is unfortunate the Court did not accept the question and has again left states stuck in the limbo of uncertainty, ultimately the U.S. Supreme Court will have the final word on the subject of state authority to regulate marriage. Strong opinions exist on all sides of this issue but we continue to urge Hoosiers to show respect for the Court, the attorneys, the county clerks and the rule of law while this complicated process plays out."
In Utah, the Governor has announced a press conference for 11:30 local time. A mandate has been issued to the state to begin enacting marriage equality. This means that marriages will begin immediately in the state.
Oklahoma has now received a mandate from the in the 10th Circuit's marriage rulings in Bishop v. Smith and Kitchen v. Herbert cases, which means that marriages should begin immediately.
This story will continue to develop.