California Couples Can Wed Starting Mid-June
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SAN FRANCISCO — Barring a stay of a historic California Supreme Court ruling, same-sex couples will be able to wed in the state beginning June 17, according to a state directive issued yesterday.
The state said it chose June 17 because the state Supreme Court has until the day before to decide whether to grant a stay of its May 15 ruling legalizing gay marriage.
Gay-rights advocates and some clerks initially thought couples would be able to wed as early as Saturday, June 14. The court’s decisions typically take effect 30 days after they are made.
The guidelines from Janet McKee, the chief of California’s office of vital records, to the state’s 58 county clerks also contained copies of new marriage forms that include lines for “Party A” and “Party B” instead of bride and groom. The gender-neutral nomenclature was developed in consultation with county clerks, according to the letter.
“Effective June 17, 2008, only the enclosed new forms may be issued for the issuance of marriage licenses in California,” the directive reads.
