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9 same-sex couples file Wednesday for licenses to wed
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More from County NewsA day after 40 couples celebrated their right to get married by getting marriage licenses in Ventura County, only nine same-sex couples followed suit on Wednesday.
Five gay and lesbian couples were married in ceremonies at the County Government Center on Wednesday, compared to 12 on the first day.
Jay Smith, executive director of the Ventura County Rainbow Alliance, wasn't surprised at the drop-off, suggesting that the numbers disprove predictions of a frantic marriage rush.
"The people we're seeing are the people who have been in long-term relationships and have been waiting for this day for many, many years," he said. "There's this thought that all gays and lesbians are going to get married immediately. It's no different than heterosexual marriages."
Tuesday's proceedings at the County Government Center drew a festive atmosphere, with people from Unitarian Universalist churches celebrating each marriage license. They handed out cupcakes, flowers and small bottles of champagne to be consumed later.
On Wednesday, activity was back to "business as usual," said David Valenzuela, operations manager for the clerk and recorder's office.
About 70 percent of the same-sex couples who received licenses Tuesday were female, Valenzuela estimated. On Wednesday, six of the nine same-sex couples were male.
"Maybe the men are less organized," he joked.
About 41 couples have appointments to get marriage licenses the rest of the week. County officials don't know how many couples are the same gender because appointments are tracked by last name.
Allison Baxter and Angela McKendree will fly in today from Austin, Texas, and get married this afternoon at the County Government Center. They said their vows won't be recognized in their home state, but they're doing it anyway.
"I think it's an opportunity to make a stand for a state that's done something kind of exceptional," Baxter said of the marriages being performed in California.
Posted by high_society on June 19, 2008 at 2:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations to all the happy couples!
Posted by wallace on June 19, 2008 at 7:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Couples"? What's with all the flagrant hate speech against those in relationships of more or less than two people? Such rank bigotry has no place in a family newspaper.
Posted by freethought on June 19, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
wallace - ?????????????
Posted by del on June 19, 2008 at 3:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
May the stars shine upon their road.
Blessed be
Namaste
Vaya con Diosa
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