Gay Marriage Start Date Moved Up

Today, the Office of Vital records told all California counties can start issuing same-sex marriage licenses the minute after the California Supreme Court's order goes into effect, which is June 16, 5:01 p.m.

Previously, officials had told county clerks that they could begin officiating gay marriages on June 17. Originally, marriages would have been allowed on June 14, but a request to stay the ban by opponents pushed back the date while justices reviewed a stay on the ban. Ultimately, they refused to stay.

In November, the legalization of the unions could be reversed if voters approve an amendment change that would define marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

In San Francisco, Mayor Gavin Newsom wants to have offices stay open late to begin the surge of marriages as soon as possible.

Photo in West Hollywood on Wednesday by Mark J. Terrill/AP