With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Dates Set for Gay Marriage in California
Update, 5/29/08: The date has been changed to June 17. Read the full story here
It's official. Starting on Saturday, June 14th, gay marriages can be officiated. "Stephen Weir, who heads the California Association of Clerks and Election Officials, said he was told by the Office of Vital Records that clerks would be authorized to hand out marriage licenses as soon as that date - exactly 30 days after the California Supreme Court ruled that gay marriage should be legal," reported the Associated Press.However, there are some challenges ahead, short and long term. The court that struck down same-sex marriages a year ago has been ordered by the Supreme Court to issue a new order legalizing it, but it is unclear when they will do so.
Also, a petition gathering effort that has collected over a million signatures might put the issue on the November ballot. If voters passed, the state constitution would be amended, therefore banning gay weddings. A recent survey said that it could narrowly pass. Additionally, opponents have asked judges to stay the ban until voters decide in November.
But as June 14th approaches, county governments must prepare for the possibility to begin officiating same-sex marriages (go George Takei!). Because it is a Saturday, offices will have a choice to begin that day or on Monday.
Photo by subvert.com via Flickr
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol.
-
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails.
-
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight.
-
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious.
-
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress.
-
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.