California County Halts Same-Sex Marriages In Fear Of Rush
Published: June 16, 2008
Ann Barnett, an official in Kern County, a highly conservative California county, announced that her office will halt all civil wedding ceremonies as the state approaches the legalization of gay "marriage."
Barnett said her staff will no longer officiate at civil cermonies, but will to continue to issue marriage licenses. According to Barnett, June 13 was the alst day county officials could perform civil weddings.
Although Barnett cited budget constraints for her decision, gay activists and supporters, including San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, are suspicious of her decision and calling it poorly disguised discrimination against same-sex couples.
Thousands of homosexual couples are expected to tie the knot this year due to the recent California Supreme Court decision to allow same-sex "marriage." The ruling, which will require county clerks by law to issue new gender-neutral marriage licenses, will take effect on Tuesday, June 17.
Barnett has received the support of a number of groups who are fighting to preserve traditional marriage between a man and a woman. Bob Courtney, 61, while waiting to receive a marriage license in the court's office, said he applauded Barnett's decision, and too believes 'marriage is between and man and a woman only.'
While Kern County residents overwhelmingly supported a 2000 ballot measure that defined marriage as between a man and a woman, the state's Supreme Court overturned that measure on May 15 and gave a green light to same-sex "marriages."
Opponents of same-sex "marriage" will now have to go back to the ballot in November in order to vote for a constitutional amendment to preserve traditional marriage.
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California County Halts Same-Sex Marriages In Fear Of Rush
Published: June 16, 2008
County clerk makes headlines as she orders staff to place halt on all civil wedding marriages
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