Politics & Government

Gov. Brown Says Counties Must Issue Marriage Licenses to Same-Sex Couples

In response to the ruling on Proposition 8, Los Angeles County officials say they will begin issuing licenses as soon as they hear the appeals court stay has been lifted.

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.

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

"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.


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