SC gay marriage plaintiffs seek almost $250,000 in costs

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — The two lesbian couples who challenged South Carolina’s gay marriage ban in federal court are seeking almost a quarter-million dollars in court costs.

Same-sex couples had sued in Charleston and Columbia for the right to be married or for the state to recognize their marriages performed out of state.

In the Columbia case, Highway Patrol Trooper Katherine Bradacs and U.S. Air Force retiree Tracie Goodwin sued to have the state to recognize their marriage performed in Washington, D.C.

They filed documents Tuesday seeking almost $92,000 in attorney fees and court costs.

In Charleston, attorneys for Colleen Condon and her partner Nichols Bleckley who sued to get a marriage license, earlier asked for $153,000 in legal fees.

Judges can order losing parties to pay opponents’ fees, especially in civil rights cases.