Despite the fact that Federal Judge Robert Hinkle ruled the Sunshine State’s ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional, a decision he stayed only until January 6th, a stay which neither the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals nor the U.S. Supreme Court would extend, confusion still exists as to what exactly county clerks in Florida are legally obligated to do when, on January 6, the stay comes to an end and marriage discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is no longer codified in the state’s constitution. 

At least one county clerk in Florida wants to know if she has to marry all gay couples that come to her seeking marriage licenses or just the plaintiffs in the case in question. The Miami Herald reports:

Lawyers for Washington County Clerk Lora Bell on Tuesday filed an emergency motion with U.S. District Judge Robert L. Hinkle asking whether she must give a marriage license to just the one same-sex couple named in Florida’s federal gay marriage lawsuit or to all same-sex couples who come to her office on Jan. 6.

“The Clerk requests clarification as to whether the Injunction requires that the Clerk only issue marriage licenses to Stephen Schlairet and Ozzie Russ as specifically set forth in the Injunction, both of whom are parties to this matter, or if the Injunction requires that the Clerk issue marriage licenses to all same-sex couples who apply once the stay expires at the end of the day on January 5, 2015,” lawyers wrote to Hinkle.

Meanwhile, foes of equality are trying to scare county clerks from enacting Hinkle’s decision by threatening them with criminal charges and fines. The New Civil Rights Movement reports:

“[Enter] the law firm of Greenberg Traurig, which represents the Florida Association of Court Clerks. Greenberg Traurig has sent a letter advising Florida clerks in every county but Washington County in northern Florida where Judge Hinkle presides, that the ruling does not apply to them. The letter warns that clerks who issue a same-sex couple a marriage license could be charged with committing “a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable by imprisonment of not more than one year and a fine of not more than $1,000.”

In the wake of this incendiary and bigoted memo, Executive Director of Equality Florida Nadine Smith was quick to point out, “A law firm memo does not override a federal judge’s order and the actions of the 11th Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court.” 

Developing…

What a year 2014 has been for marriage equality!

Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer team up (and look good doing it) as cold war era spies in new Guy Ritchie-directed pic, The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

Nick Jonas tells Kode Magazine his girlfriend doesn’t mind his gay sex scenes in Kingdom: “Luckily, she knows what it’s like to work on projects where you’re putting yourself out there to the public. It may seem like something that would make people uncomfortable, but I’m very lucky to have a girlfriend who understands.”

Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds fight to get Nazi-stolen art returned in new film Woman in Gold.

That thing is still growing on Zac Efron’s upper lip.

J.K. Rowling reveals what the world has in store for Draco Malfoy post-Deathly Hallows (spoilers ahead).

Pope Francis eviscerates Vatican bureaucracy in his Christmas address on Monday: “In his annual speech, Francis warned against what he called a lust for power, hypocritical double lives and the lack of spiritual empathy among some men of God. He listed the 15 “ailments and temptations” that weaken their service to the Lord, inviting them to a “true self-examination” ahead of Christmas. In strong yet colorful language, Francis criticized the Curia, the administration that runs the Holy See, for a narcissistic “pathology of power” and “existential schizophrenia.”

Apparently, “Manspreading” is a thing and something New York City’s MTA wants to crack down on.

Amy Adams would not talk to The Today Show about the Sony hack, leaked documents from which reportedly mention her. The Today Show decided it was best to cancel the interview.

Madonna keeps her Christmas decorations simple and to the point.

Does your dog dance when (s)he sees you?

AP names Frozen top entertainer of the year.

New Judd Appatow-produced Pee Wee Herman movie heading to Netflix.

The world’s first transgender fairy doll? Parents are crying foul when Chinese manufactured fairy dolls appeared to have male genitalia. However, a manufacturing defect may be to blame: “In molded plastics, you won’t find mysterious holes, but you will occasionally find small protuberances that allow the part to be pulled from the mold. I think what we are actually looking at is not so much a penis, as that manufacturing aid. If you are wondering why you rarely see these manufacturing tabs, it’s because most companies would have a “trim station” during the process where that bit of plastic would removed. Unfortunately, it appears this Chinese company thought they’d save the fraction of a fen it would cost to castrate the pretty fairy doll before packaging, and keep mothers out of panic mode. And so, because a Chinese manufacturer was being thrifty, we now have what is being called the world’s first trans doll.”

Man rams van into Christmas market in western France: “Fears of a wave of lone wolf attacks in France have intensified after a man rammed his van into a crowded Christmas market in Nantes before attempting to stab himself to death. At least 11 people were injured, with five including the driver suffering serious injuries, following the incident in the western French city’s main square, place Royale.”

Rock star Joe Cocker is dead at 70.

As we reported earlier, the new James Franco-Seth Rogen flick The Interview, that was first pulled by Sony Pictures after North Korea hacked the company and threatened a 9/11 style terrorist attack, has now been reinstated for a small theatrical release. To celebrate, Franco decided to post the above picture of himself engaged in a three-way kiss with Rogen and Nick Kroll. Franco wrote on his Instagram, “CELEBRATING!!!!! “The Interview” starring Seth Rogen and James Flacco saved by President Obacco! I MEAN PRESIDENT OBAMA!!!!! Sorry!!!” As Just Jared notes, the “Obacco” remark was in “reference to President Obama flubbing [Franco’s] name and calling [him] James Flacco during a press conference.”