Nixon orders state to follow gay marriage ruling

Gov. Jay Nixon signed an executive order Tuesday requiring departments in the state’s executive branch and local governments to follow the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision legalizing gay marriage in all 50 states.

“This landmark ruling was a historic step forward for our nation, and it has some very real benefits for families here in Missouri,” Nixon said in a press release.

Recorders in area counties — including, Greene, Polk, Dallas, Webster, Christian, Lawrence and Dade counties — began approving marriage licenses for same-sex couples after the ruling was announced.

Some area Republican lawmakers voiced displeasure when the nation’s high court delivered its gay marriage ruling last month. Some argued it infringed on states rights and some said it violated the “sanctity of marriage,” arguing marriage should only be between a man and woman.

Nixon used the signing to lobby state lawmakers to pass the Missouri Nondiscrimination Act, “which would prohibit discrimination against LGBT Missourians in employment, housing and public accommodations,” according to his office.

“Same-sex couples now have the right to get married, but here in Missouri, individuals can still be fired for being gay. That’s wrong, it’s not who we are — and it must change,” Nixon said in a press release.