Few Same-Sex Marriage Licenses Issued In North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A check of counties shows that there isn't a big rush to wedlock by same-sex couples in North Dakota.

The U.S. Supreme Court in June said same-sex couples have the right to marry nationwide. A federal judge shortly after ruled North Dakota's ban on gay marriage unconstitutional and invalid.

The Bismarck Tribune reports a check of the state's 53 counties shows that 18 of them have issued a total of 60 licenses to same-sex couples. That's a small fraction of the 4,500 marriage licenses issued annually in the state.

Officials say there are several reasons for the low number. They include fear of discrimination in housing or the workplace, and the fact that same-sex couples have been able to get marriage licenses in neighboring Minnesota since 2013.