Counties ask court to suspend gay marriage ruling

LITTLE ROCK — Four Arkansas counties are asking the state's highest court to suspend a judge's ruling striking down the state's gay marriage ban.

The Conway, Lonoke, Washington and White county clerks asked the state Supreme Court Monday to stay Pulaski County Circuit Judge Chris Piazza's ruling that the 2004 constitutional amendment and 1997 law banning gay marriage are unconstitutional. Attorney General Dustin McDaniel earlier Monday asked the court to stay Piazza's ruling.

The counties argue that Piazza's ruling didn't address another state law banning issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

Dozens of same-sex couples have received marriage licenses since Piazza's ruling was issued Friday afternoon.

Washington County was among counties granting licenses to same-sex couples Monday.

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