Quote of the Day

[Content Note: Homophobia.]

"Executive branch agencies are to execute their functions as though the U.S. District Court Order of June 25, 2014 had not been issued."—From a memo (pdf) issued to "All Executive Branch Agencies" from Mark G. Ahearn, General Counsel to Republican Indiana Governor Mike Pence, on July 7, 2014, titled: "Status of Same Sex Marriages According to Indiana Law and Pursuant to Court Order."

Basically, Governor Pence is telling state agencies to pretend as if same-sex marriage was never legalized in Indiana, and to refuse to recognize legally performed same-sex marriages that happened before the stay.

He's now not merely trying to impede equality; he's actively rolling it backwards. He's de-legalizing legal same-sex marriages in Indiana.

My contempt for this shit cannot be measured on a scale fathomable by human intellect.

Meanwhile, the media talks about what a "tough spot" he's in.

[Via @AndyMarkle & @indianalawblog.]

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UPDATE: INDEMS Chair John Zody's Statement on Pence Decision to Close Door on Equality: "How predictable that Governor Pence refuses to recognize the hundreds of marriages that occurred after the court struck down our discriminatory same-sex marriage ban. For most newlyweds, they have time to enjoy their union and the creation of a new family. Instead, the Attorney General stalled by providing foggy guidance in order for uncertainty to continue, giving the Pence Administration plenty of time to find legal loopholes to perpetuate the notion that our state's welcome mat should only be out for some—those who fall under his narrow notion of a Hoosier family. Governor Pence is embarrassing our state by ignoring these families, creating an unwelcoming environment for those who want to call Indiana home. No Hoosier should be treated as a second-class citizen. What's more, the Governor can't even face Hoosiers himself to tell them he's shutting the door on equality. He has to do it through a staffer."

Emphasis mine.

Also: IndyStar: "Indiana won't recognize same-sex marriages performed last month."