WEDDING BELLS SILENCED: JUDGE BLOCKS SAME-SEX MARRIAGES UNTIL DECEMBER

East County News Service

August 17, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – A three-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals yesterday announced an indefinite stay on same-sex marriages. The 9th Circuit also expedited scheduling to hear the appeal of Judge Walker’s decision to overturn Prop 8.

The appeal is slated to be heard by the 9th Circuit on December 6th. Meanwhile, couples hoping to tie the knot are left in legal limbo.
 

“This is a difficult reminder that the work to restore marriage equality to California—and to make marriage equality the law across America—will be a roller-coaster full of ups and downs,” Rick Jacobs, chair of the Courage Campaign Institute, wrote in an e-mail to online supporters of marriage equality. Courage Campaign announced re-launch of “It Breaks Your Heart,” a video viewed by 1.3 million people last year with a message that civil rights should not be put to a vote.
 

Opponents of same-sex marriage praised the court’s decision to extend a stay.

“It’s a joy when the oppression of a judicial tyranny is halted,” Pastor Jim Garlow of Skyline Wesleyan Church in La Mesa told Channel 10 news.
 

San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk David Butler issued a press release today informing the public that his office will not be issuing marriage licenses for same-sex couples as a result of the stay. Previously Butler had said his office could begin issuing licenses Wednesday, in compliance with a lower court ruling, had the stay not been extended.
 

“We will continue to monitor any new developments and will take immediate action to implement the Court’s ruling once it becomes effective,” Butler said.
 

To view the full text of the court orders or get updated information as it becomes available, visit the Assessor/Record/County Clerk website at www.sdarcc.com.