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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.
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