Beginning at 8:00 am today, for the first time since November of 2008, same sex couples may marry in Orange County. On Friday, the federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals removed the stay imposed on the decision of Judge Vaughn Walker declaring the ban on same sex marriage imposed by California’s Proposition 8 to be unconstitutional.
The proponents of Proposition 8 filed and emergency appeal with the Supreme Court asking that the stay remain until the 25 days that the proponents technically have to request a rehearing from the Court. On Sunday, Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy denied that request. That decision effectively sends Anthony Pungo, the leader of the Prop 8 proponents, and his allies, into the closet where he belongs.
Beginning Monday morning same sex couples wishing to obtain a marriage license may do so at three locations: the Old County Courthouse, 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; the North County Branch Office, 201 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and the South County Branch Office, 24031, El Toro Road, Suite 150, Laguna Hills, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To get a license couples must appear in person together and present a valid, unexpired photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.
This past weekend same sex weddings were performed in San Francisco while the annual Gay and Lesbian Pride Festival occurred in the city. From what i’m hearing, it was one of the best Pride celebrations ever.
Bonanza for Divorce Lawyers ?
(What are the stats?)
A majority of Californians had voted to ban gay marriage in the state, and now the state would no longer defend the law. Supporters tried to step into the void, defending the law themselves, but the U.S. Supreme Court held that they had not been injured in the kind of tangible, direct way that allows them to pursue a legal remedy – they had no standing – the long term implications of the ruling are disturbing. The state should not be able to nullify an initiative passed by millions of voters simply by choosing not to defend it in court.
Erwin Chemerinski –
Just because a majority says they want something, does not make it constitutional. Courts are there to rule on the constitutionality of all laws. Sorry, courts have the final say.