Indiana Gov. Mike Pence tells state agencies not to recognize same-sex marriages

INDIANAPOLIS, July 9 (UPI) -- Indiana Republican Governor Mike Pence has ordered all state agencies cease recognizing same-sex marriages despite a federal court ruling in June striking down the state's ban.

A memo issued Monday by the general counsel to Governor Pence said all same-sex marriages performed between the declaration of Indiana's ban on June 25 and when a stay of appeal was issued on June 27 were to be treated as if they never occurred.

"To ensure that the state respects the rule of law, executive branch agencies are instructed to comply with the 7th Circuit Order issued on June 27, 2014, which stays the U.S. District Court Order issued on June 25, 2014," the memo said.

"Accordingly, [Indiana's same-sex marriage ban] is in full force and effect and executive branch agencies are to execute their functions as though the U.S. District Court Order of June 25, 2014 had not been issued."

The memo did include an exception for one same-sex couple. The July 1 marriage of Amy Sandler and Nikole Quasney, which was performed with permission from the state after the stay was issued, will be upheld so Sandler may visit her terminally ill wife.

"Also in compliance with the rule of law, the State will comply with the Court of Appeal's individual order recognizing the marriage of Amy Sandler and Nikole Quasney."