Politics & Government

Gov. Brown: Gay Marriages to Resume in California ASAP

California Attorney General directs counties to begin issuing marriage certificates once the courts life a stay on gay marriages in California.

Gov. Jerry Brown said Wednesday that in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on Proposition 8, he wants counties in California to begin issuing marriage licenses as soon as a federal appeals court lifts a stay it had imposed while the legal battle raged on.

"After years of struggle, the U.S. Supreme Court today has made same- sex marriage a reality in California," Brown said. "In light of the decision, I have directed the California Department of Public Health to advise the state's counties that they must begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples in California as soon as the Ninth Circuit confirms the stay is lifted."

According to Brown's office, the governor consulted with Attorney General Kamala Harris, who advised that county clerks must begin issuing licenses to same-sex couples as soon as the stay is lifted. When the court does lift the stay, the state Department of Public Health will issue a notice to county officials throughout the state.

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"I'm also calling on the 9th Circuit today to urge them in the strongest terms that they lift the stay and enforce the permanent injunction that Vaughn Walker outlined," Harris said during a Los Angeles news conference. "We have outlined in the many briefs that we have filed before the various courts of this land, including the United States Supreme Court, that each day is not equal when it comes to individuals' civil liberties and civil rights. Each day that passes when any individual is denied their civil liberties and civil rights is a sad day in our country and certainly in our state." 

Dean Logan, Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, said his office was "prepared to accommodate any potential volume increases."

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"We do not foresee any delays or interruption in service for our customers," he said.

Los Angeles County officials said they would begin issuing licenses as soon as they hear the appeals court stay has been lifted.

Marriage licenses can be obtained online at https://marriage.lavote.net/OMLS. Couples are encouraged to fill out the application online and bring the confirmation page to the clerk's office, along with the $90 license fee.

- City News Service


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