ST. CLOUD - Gay couples in Stearns county have been able to apply for a marriage license for a little over a week, but so far they haven't been lining-up to do so.

County officials say they've only received one application for a marriage license from a gay couple since they began accepting them on July 10th.

Marriage applicants can apply and pay for their license now, but they won't be valid until August 1st, when the state's Freedom to Marry law takes effect.  Anyone with questions can call the Stearns County Virtual License Center at 656-3902.

By comparison, the Clay County Courthouse up in Moorhead took six application yesterday (Wednesday) alone, the first day they accepted applications.

Both Benton and Sherburne County have opted *not* to accept early applications, and are waiting until August 1st to open-up the process.

Meanwhile, the Unity Spiritual Center of Central Minnesota, located in Sartell, will host a joint marriage ceremony for gay couples on August 4th at 2:00 p.m.

Reverend Barbara Winter Martin says they've only had one couple sign-up for the ceremony.  But, she's hoping a few more will still take them up on their offer.

For more information, or to register, call 255-9253.

More From AM 1240 WJON