Judge Vows Quick Ruling in Pa. Gay Marriage Case

Clerk defies state ban on recognition and hands out licenses

A judge promised to rule as quickly as possible after hearing arguments Wednesday about whether a suburban Philadelphia court clerk should be forced to stop issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

Commonwealth Court Judge Dan Pellegrini said a central issue is "how power is allocated in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania."

"What's before us today is generally, 'Who decides?'" Pellegrini told the full courtroom in Harrisburg at the start of oral arguments.