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LAS VEGAS (AP) — The leader of a Republican group representing gay conservatives said Monday that if he could, he'd likely withdraw a complaint alleging Clark County officials illegally issued same-sex marriage licenses before the state's gay marriage ban was struck down earlier this month.
Ed Williams, president of the Log Cabin Republicans of Nevada, filed the complaint Oct. 2 with the state attorney general, not knowing gay marriage might be legalized days later. Now that same-sex marriage is legal, calling it a "pleasant surprise" that his group supported, he said his complaint was less relevant than before.
"At this point, I think it would be something we'd like to withdraw," he said.
The complaint was filed against both the county recorder and clerk even though the clerk, not the recorder, issues marriage licenses. The complaint included copies of 10 marriage licenses issued in 2014 that include brides named Davy and Christopher and grooms named Meagen and Isabel.
Williams said his group filed the complaint after hearing from an employee in the Clark County Recorder's Office who was concerned the agency was signing off on illegal marriages. Williams said it was important for an area that calls itself the wedding capital of the world to assure individuals being wed that their nuptials are 100 percent legal.
"It's important that things be done right, regardless," he said.
Clark County spokesman Erik Pappa said in a statement at the time the complaint was filed that the clerk checks all IDs for gender.
"We believe the use of IDs is the best method of determining gender, as opposed to judging someone's appearance or guessing an answer based upon a person's name," Pappa said.
A state attorney general spokeswoman confirmed the office had received the complaint but wouldn't confirm or deny if the office was investigating.
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