This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

GRENADA, Miss. — The Grenada County, Mississippi Circuit Clerk, has resigned, rather than grant a marriage certificate to a same-sex couple.

Linda Barnett submitted her resignation today.

Barnette said, “I am resigning before my term expires because the Supreme Court’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage. The Supreme Court’s decision violates my core values as a Christian. My final authority is the Bible. I cannot in all good conscience issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples under my name, because the Bible clearly teaches that homosexuality is contrary to God’s plan and purpose for marriage and family. I choose to obey God rather than man. I want to thank the citizens of Grenada County for giving me the honor of serving as their Circuit Clerk.

Monday, Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood said clerks may issue licenses to same-sex couples.

He, however, cautioned, “The Supreme Court’s decision is not effective immediately in Mississippi. It will become effective in Mississippi, and circuit clerks will be required to issue same-sex marriage licenses when the 5th Circuit lifts the stay of Judge Reeves’ order. This could come quickly or may take several days. The 5th Circuit might also choose not to lift the stay and instead issue and order, which could take considerably longer before it becomes effective.”