Riverside County Waiting on State to Start Issuing Same-Sex Marriage Licenses

It's only a matter of time before same-sex marriages will again be official here in Riverside County, and in California.

On Wednesday, the United States Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and also ruled that supporters of California's ban on gay marriage– Prop 8–  didn't have grounds to defend it before the high court.

Now, the question is: When can gay couples again get married in the state, and be issued an official license?

Governor Jerry Brown issued a statement shortly after the Supreme Court's decision came down, saying that  he wants counties in California to begin issuing marriage licenses as soon as a federal appeals court lifts a stay it had imposed while the legal battle raged on.

“After years of struggle, the U.S. Supreme Court today has made same-sex marriage a reality in California. In light of the decision, I have directed the California Department of Public Health to advise the state’s counties that they must begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples in California as soon as the Ninth Circuit confirms the stay is lifted,” said Governor Brown.

As for Riverside County, the clerk's office also issued a statement Wednesday.  In it, they said they, too, are waiting for official word.

"The County Clerk cannot issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples until the office receives direction from the state that the stay has been lifted," Michele Martinez-Barrera with the clerk's office said.  "The County Clerk will continue to monitor the issue and keep the public informed of any changes."

In anticipation of that "all-clear," the clerk's office said they are "prepared to accommodate potential volume increases" as same-sex couples apply.

Until then, the clerk advises couples fill out applications ahead of time.  You can find those here.