Some California licensing clerks join gay marriage fight

[struggle4progress]

By LISA LEFF
02/14/07 17:22:56

... "It's been on my conscience for a while, and I won't stand for it anymore," said Yolo County Clerk-Recorder Freddie Oakley, who decided to give a "Certificate of Inequality" to each same-sex couple who came to her counter this year ...

"The State of California arrogates the right to limit your freedom to marry based on the gender of your chosen spouse," they read. "I issue this Certificate of Inequality to you because your choice of marriage partner displeases some people whose displeasure is, apparently, more important than principles of equality." ...

In San Mateo County, Clerk-Recorder Warren Slocum also rolled out the welcome mat at a pro-gay marriage rally his office co-hosted Wednesday. The more than 100 people who showed up were handed souvenir copies of a letter he wrote to every county clerk in the state asking them to join him in supporting a pending bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in California.

"As a 20-year elected official in San Mateo County, I have turned away many same-sex couples who have asked me to unite them in marriage," the letter states. "I think there is a better way that will eliminate the needless harm and financial burden our current law places on same-sex couples and their families." ...

http://www.fresnobee.com/384/story/29905.html


http://www.fresnobee.com/384/story/29905.html