EXECUTIVE ORDER
15-04

WHEREAS, on June 26, 2015, the United State Supreme Court rendered its decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. ____ (2015); and

WHEREAS, in Obergefell, the United States Supreme Court held that there is a fundamental right under the United States Constitution to same-sex marriage and that states cannot prohibit or invalidate such marriages; and

WHEREAS, government must ensure that this right is recognized and protected for all legally married couples irrespective of the date or place of celebration; and

WHEREAS, the Obergefell decision shall be implemented across the executive branch of state government so that all rights, privileges and obligations arising from the decision are effectuated; and

WHEREAS, all counties, municipalities and other political subdivisions should further ensure that the Obergefell decision is implemented in all applicable operations; and

WHEREAS, on November 14, 2013, I issued Executive Order 13-14 allowing same-sex couples legally married in a state that authorized such marriages to file a combined state income tax return if they filed a joint federal income tax return; and

WHEREAS, Executive Order 13-14 is no longer necessary as same-sex marriages are now recognized and all rights, privileges and obligations applicable to married couples now apply to same-sex couples.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JEREMIAH W. (JAY) NIXON, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Missouri, do hereby Order all departments, agencies, boards and commissions in the executive branch to immediately take all necessary measures to ensure compliance with the Obergefell decision in all aspects of their operations.

Executive Order 13-14 is hereby rescinded and replaced by this Order.

This Order shall be effective immediately and shall not expire.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Missouri, in the City of Jefferson, on this 7th day of July, 2015.

[Jay Nixon's signature]
Jeremiah W. (Jay) Nixon
Governor

ATTEST:

[Jason Kander's signature]
Jason Kander
Secretary of State

.pdf version