Marriage License Terms/Options Subject of Bill Filed by Rep Michael Meredith for 2016

​FRANKFORT, Ky. (January 11, 2016) – Representative Michael Meredith, R-Brownsville, is sponsoring a bill in the 2016 Session of the General Assembly that if passed, would require the Kentucky Department of Library and Archives to issue two different marriage license forms.  One form would designate the parties as bride and groom or husband and wife, while the other would be gender neutral, denoting both parties as spouse. 

Following the Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage, Governor Steve Beshear ordered that all marriage license forms issued would use gender neutral terminology. County clerks may currently possess forms containing the language of bride and groom, but once those inventories are depleted there will only be gender neutral forms provided to clerks.

“There have been a number of constituents contacting me about this matter asking for the option to apply for their marriage licenses as husband and wife,” Meredith said. “I believe this bill is the best approach for accommodating those concerns.”

Edmonson County Clerk Kevin Alexander stated, “I am completely in support of Representative Michael Meredith and his efforts to get this bill passed. Michael and I have discussed the fact that several of our joint constituents want this option, and this bill will allow us as clerks to continue to provide it.”
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Representative Meredith’s bill would reverse Governor Beshear’s directive and allow Kentuckians the option to choose the specific language on their license. 

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