Pressroom

"Same-Sex Weddings Spark Backlash in Some Counties"

by Mylene Mangalindan
WALL STREET JOURNAL
June 16, 2008
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121358399346176405.html (subscription required)

June 17 marks the date that gay and lesbian couples can marry legally in California, following a landmark ruling by the state's Supreme Court in May that struck down the ban on same-sex marriage. The day will be marked by joyous celebrations and eager couples earning a right they have waited years to obtain.

Yet, the occasion will also be punctuated by the division it creates throughout the state. On the one hand, San Francisco County has added additional staff and expanded hours so the clerk's office can accommodate the surge in demand from same-sex couples seeking marriage licenses and wedding ceremonies. The office has 170 same-sex couples signed up to receive marriage licenses on the first day, says Karen Hong Yee, director of the county clerk's office.

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Opponents are similarly girding for the next fight. "We are focused relentlessly on November, says Maggie Gallagher, president of National Organization for Marriage, a Princeton, N.J., organization whose mission is to protect traditional marriage. The group helped sponsor the measure through its California unit.

Brian Brown, executive director of the group's California arm, will be speaking Tuesday about the impact of the ruling by the state Supreme Court to allow same-sex marriage. The group will be meeting with supporters throughout the state, developing its email list, buying advertisements and organizing grass-roots groups, Ms. Gallagher says.

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Write to Mylene Mangalindan at mylene.mangalindan@wsj.com