ACLU OF KENTUCKY STATEMENT ON SB216

FRANKFORT – The Kentucky House today passed SB216 on consent. The measure creates one form for marriage licensing in the commonwealth. Applicants will have the option to select “Bride,” “Groom,” or “Spouse.” The measure, supported by Governor Bevin and the Kentucky County Clerks Association will be assigned to a Conference Committee for House and Senate members to reconcile differences between the two chambers’ bills.

Michael Aldridge, Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky, had this comment:

“SB216 ensures all loving couples can access the rights they are entitled to equally under the law. The bill lifts the cloud of uncertainty hanging over marriage licensing in Kentucky created, in part, when Governor Bevin issued an executive order making changes to the form late last year. Now everyone, regardless of how they identify, will soon be able to access the same marriage license form in the commonwealth. Today’s bill passage would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of Senator Morgan McGarvey. I salute his commitment to fairness and equality for all Kentuckians.”