Brown wants marriage licenses issued to same-sex couples soon

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – Gov. Jerry Brown said Wednesday that in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on Proposition 8, he wants counties in California to begin issuing marriage licenses as soon as a federal appeals court lifts a stay it had imposed while the legal battle raged on.

“After years of struggle, the U.S. Supreme Court today has made same- sex marriage a reality in California,” Brown said. “In light of the decision, I have directed the California Department of Public Health to advise the state's counties that they must begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples in California as soon as the Ninth Circuit confirms the stay is lifted.”

According to Brown's office, the governor consulted with Attorney General Kamala Harris, who advised that county clerks must begin issuing licenses to same-sex couples as soon as the stay is lifted. When the court does lift the stay, the state Department of Public Health will issue a notice to county officials throughout the state.

The stay on same-sex marriages likely will not be lifted for at least 25 days. The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeal acknowledged receiving the Supreme Court's ruling, but noted that the law provides for a 25-day period during which proponents of Proposition 8 could request a rehearing before the nation's highest court.