State and Local Officials Call for Same-Sex Weddings

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger submitted a court filing Friday asking that gay marriages be allowed to resume in California. His move comes two days after U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker ruled that Proposition 8, which prohibited same-sex marriage, was unconstitutional because it violated federal equal protection and due process laws. On Wednesday, Walker had given a two-day deadline to submit arguments on whether to continue a stay on his decision. 

 "The administration believes the public interest is best served by permitting the court's judgment to go into effect, thereby restoring the right of same-sex couples to marry in California," an attorney representing Schwarzenegger wrote in the court filing.

California Attorney General Jerry Brown also filed a motion Friday calling for same-sex marriages to resume. "There is now a final determination that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional," wrote Daniel J. Powell in the court documents submitted by Brown's office.

Equality California, a statewide lesbian and gay organization in California, praised the attorney general's action.

"We are truly grateful to Attorney General Brown for opposing a stay in this landmark case, as there is simply no valid reason to deny a loving same-sex couple the freedom to marry," said Geoff Kors, executive director of Equality California.

"There is no justification for not resuming marriages for same-sex couples immediately," he said.

The city of West Hollywood is also gearing up for the possibility of the U.S. District Court lifting its stay on same-sex marriages. West Hollywood, in conjuction with Los Angeles County, is preparing to officiate same-sex marriage ceremonies if the stay is lifted.

 "At this point the final entry of the judgment regarding Proposition 8 has been stayed by the U.S. District Court. Both Los Angeles County and the city of West Hollywood are auditing developments with the court order and will keep the public abreast of all new updates," said Tom West, city clerk for West Hollywood.

For updates regarding the issuance of same-sex marriage licenses, contact West at (323) 848-6408.