Tower Local Controller described an internal disagreement when relieving another controller and noting two aircraft in the ILS Critical Area when the current ASOS weather dictated that the subject areas be clear of aircraft.

Narrative

I was relieving the Local Controller and we were waiting for 2 IFR releases from the TRACON in IFR conditions due to low ceilings and 1 aircraft was approaching the Outer Marker. The weather indicated ceiling of 900 FT but as I was getting my briefing; the ASOS was showing 600 and the 2 aircraft were in the ILS critical area with an aircraft just outside the marked. As we came off the briefing line; I asked him about the situation he placed me in and he said the weather says 900 so we are clean. I wholeheartedly disagree. I finally got both releases and the second aircraft was in the ILS critical area as the arrival crossed the outer marker but I got the aircraft out of their and on departure roll by the time the arrival was about a mile inside the outer marker. The FLM was monitoring the frequency and failed to correct the controller and the situation I was placed in. Recommendation; teach all controllers that the ASOS is the current weather and the ILS needs to be protected with reference to the ASOS and not the hourly weather. I am very disappointed in the Local Controller and the FLM.