Howard C. Forman is the Broward County Clerk of the Courts:

“In South Florida, marriage equality is not a contentious issue. In North Florida, it is in some areas. I think if the bigger counties, like Broward, Dade and Palm Beach, take the lead on this issue, some of the smaller, more rural counties will surely follow.

“I think it will be quicker than some people think. As far the contention that exists between South and North, it’s always been that way. We’re like seven states,” Forman says. “But South Florida is pretty solid for marriage equality.”

Forman has been “ready for months” to execute same-sex marriage licenses, as is typical of his well-run clerk’s office. “We were, of course, waiting for Judge Robert Hinkle’s ruling. And everyone who is in this state should at least be ready to make marriage licenses available to those same-sex couples that desire them.

“In Broward County, there was never a question that we were going to be issuing them and performing wedding ceremonies. It was just a matter of when Judge Hinkle gave us the guidance. We’ve been ready for months, and I’m glad this moment has finally come.”

Editor’s note: January 6th, the day of the weddings, is Clerk Forman’s birthday.

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