Advertisement

L.A. Now Live: Latest on gay marriages resuming in L.A., California

Share

Gay marriages resumed in California over the weekend despite a latch-ditch attempt to halt same-sex unions by supporters of Proposition 8.

In San Francisco where the clerk’s office stayed open on Saturday and Sunday, county officials issued more than 500 marriage licenses as gay couples rushed to tie the knot. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeal’s decision Friday afternoon to lift the hold on same-sex marriages surprised many, who were not expecting the action for another month or so.

Join Times reporters Maura Dolan and Chris Megerian at 9 a.m. to discuss the restart of gay marriages in California.

Advertisement

It was perfect timing for San Francisco, where the city’s annual gay pride festivities were scheduled.

Pride veterans said the crowd was louder and happier than usual, and probably even bigger, surpassing the typical turnout of 1 million people.

“It feels more celebratory,” said Miriam Geller, who marched with her wife, Terri Westerlund, and their twin 8-year-old daughters. “This year there’s a real sense of recognition by the federal government.”

In Los Angeles, only one same-sex couple was able to obtain a marriage license before the clerk-recorder’s office closed on Friday. The office will hold extended hours on Monday and city officials in Long Beach and West Hollywood were deputizing council members to perform civil ceremonies.

More than 500 couples have applied for marriage licenses online since Friday afternoon, according to Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Dean Logan.

Civil ceremonies are being performed at West Hollywood’s City Council chambers at 625 N. San Vicente Blvd. and the L.A. County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk headquarters in Norwalk.

Advertisement

Civil services in West Hollywood are free and on a first-come, first-served basis from 1 to 7 p.m.

The Norwalk Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk will be open until 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday to accommodate the high volume of marriage license requests.

Advertisement