With gay marriage now legal in California, it's the start of a couples' crush in Norwalk
Dozens of lovebirds line up outside the L.A. County clerk's office today, the first full day in which same-sex partners can wed. Statewide, officials expect to issue far more licenses than usual.
Dozens of couples lined up outside Los Angeles County's main marriage license office in Norwalk early today, taking advantage of the first opportunity that most gays had to marry in California.
Among the roughly 60 people waiting on a grassy area outside the registrar/recorder's building were Cindy Gise, 59, a retired teacher, and Elaine Martin, 61, a retired electronics assembler, both from Santa Clarita.
They arrived at 6:15 a.m. wearing matching Hawaiian shirts and khaki pants, and were waiting their turn in line on folding stools. Gise had a cane in one hand and a Kodak camera dangling from one arm.
Focus on the Family: An article about the first full day of same-sex marriage in California in Wednesday's Section A referred to the head of Focus on the Family as the Rev. James C. Dobson. Dobson is not a clergyman. He has a PhD from the University of Southern California.
"We decided we would not have a civil union until it was legal," Gise said. "We felt like we were already legitimate. We still feel that way. But it's nice to have a piece of paper and recognition from the state."
They were among hundreds of couples expected to participate in wedding ceremonies today across California, where officials have made special arrangements to accommodate the crush expected after same-sex unions became legal at 5:01 p.m. Monday. Statewide, officials expected to issue far more marriage licenses than the 460 average for a weekday in June, according to a Times survey of all 58 counties.
Early today, the waits varied greatly at marriage offices, with some locations backed up and no lines elsewhere, often where officials had made appointments to issue licenses.
About a dozen gay couples were married Monday evening statewide in specially arranged events, but today marked the beginning of what some project will be tens of thousands of such weddings in coming months, after the state Supreme Court struck down a ban on same-sex unions.
"It was the first day available and we wanted to legitimize this as quickly as possible," Gise said.
In a scene playing out across the state, there was also a voice of protest amid the celebratory mood. Karen Wilson, 51, from Bellflower, arrived about 7:20 a.m. with a Bible and a poster board reading: "Marriage is to be held in honor. Heb 3:4."
"I want to say something to these people before they go in there," Wilson said, looking over to a white tent where services were being held. Marriage "has been going on for thousands of years. Why destroy it? The family is already in jeopardy now. What we need to do is strengthen the family."
Many reclined in lawn chairs as they waited for the marriage license office to open. The county began taking marriage applications on a first-come, first-served basis today.
