Weho Leaders Applaud Supreme Court's Prop. 8, DOMA Rulings

By Erika Maldonado

West Hollywood Mayor Abbe Land joined other community leaders in applauding the U.S. Supreme Court’s rulings on Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act on Wednesday.

"This is truly a remarkable day not only here in West Hollywood, but for the state of California," Land said at a news conference at City Hall. "And really for every same-sex couple to finally have the equal rights and protections that all married couples do. History was made today."

As soon as a federal appeals court lifts a stay, counties in California can begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

A 25-day period for a petition for another hearing is the next step for West Hollywood, said Council member John J. Duran. Same-sex marriages performed at City Hall are expected to begin by the end of July.

"It’s nice to know that at least here in California the issue has been resolved," Duran said. "But there is still so much to do in other places."

In a 5-4 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that backers of Proposition 8—which was approved by California voters in 2008 and banned same-sex marriage—lacked legal standing to challenge a lower court ruling that found the measure unconstitutional, clearing the way for same-sex marriage in California.

"This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it," said Rev. Neil Thomas of California Faith for Equality. "By my book God made us just as we are. And we are just fine. Just as we are."

Thomas married more than 100 gay couples during the nearly four months same-sex marriage was legal in 2008. The City of West Hollywood issued more than 1,000 same-sex marriage licenses during the period from June to November 2008.

—City News Service contributed to this report.