FAYETTEVILLE — Washington County has begun issuing wedding licenses to same-sex couples after a circuit judge in Pulaski County overturned the state's constitutional ban on gay marriage.
Washington County Clerk Becky Lewallen said 23 licenses were issued Monday morning to same-sex couples. Another license was issued to a heterosexual couple Monday morning as well.
Couples began lining up before the courthouse opened Monday, with one couple arriving at 2:30 a.m. Many couples immediately wed outside the courthouse after receiving the licenses.
The crowds cleared out after about 30 minutes Monday morning.
Washington, Pulaski and Carroll counties are now issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Several counties have refused to do so, saying the Arkansas Supreme Court must weigh in.