Judge refuses to dismiss lawsuit over gay marriage licenses

Little Rock, Ark. (AP) — A Pulaski County judge has rejected a request to dismiss a lawsuit seeking to force officials to recognize Arkansas marriage licenses issued to same-sex couples.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that Circuit Judge Wendell Griffen rejected the state's request Friday.

The licenses were issued for six days in May 2014 after Arkansas' bans on gay marriage was struck down as unconstitutional. The state Supreme Court stayed the ruling while it's on appeal and state lawyers contend the licenses were illegally issued.

The lawsuit by two couples and a widower complains the state Department of Finance and Administration forces gay married couples to file individual tax returns and that the federal Social Security Administration refused to let one plaintiff take the name of his spouse and denied death and survivor benefits.

Information from: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette,Little Rock, AR.

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The Gayly – May 31, 2015 @ 9:25am.