Gay Couple Granted Marriage License After Texas County Clerk Refused To Issue

Helen Barnes holds a sign of support for gay marriage outside of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Friday, Jan. 9, 2015, in New Orleans. Opponents and supporters of gay marriage argued their sides before the 5th... Helen Barnes holds a sign of support for gay marriage outside of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Friday, Jan. 9, 2015, in New Orleans. Opponents and supporters of gay marriage argued their sides before the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, on gay marriage bans in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi . (AP Photo/Stacy Revere) MORE LESS
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DALLAS (AP) — A gay couple has received a marriage license after filing a federal lawsuit against a North Texas county clerk who previously cited her religious opposition to gay marriage in denying the license.

Jim Cato and Joe Stapleton filed the lawsuit Monday against Hood County Clerk Katie Lang, saying they repeatedly had been turned away when trying to obtain a license last week.

The couple was quickly granted a license later in the morning in Granbury, the county seat. The city is southwest of Fort Worth.

The couple’s attorney, Jan Soifer, released a statement saying they haven’t withdrawn the lawsuit and are seeking an agreement from Lang that her office will issue licenses to same-sex couples without delay. They’re also seeking attorney fees.

Lang was not immediately available for comment Monday.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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