Special Feature

June 19th, 2008

Weddings Abound For Gay Couples Throughout San Diego County

There was a flurry of activity at the San Marcos Office of the County Clerk/Recorder today, with several members of the sheriff's department stationed around the center, for what was considered to be a very busy day for union ceremonies. There were no protestors, however, there was a small group from various entities in support of gay rights, and particularly gay rights to wed.

Some ceremonies had been performed already, and several couples were waiting for their reservation time. One couple, Suzanne Thompson and Dawn Perry, agreed to be interviewed. They were waiting for an 11am ceremony. They live in Carlsbad, have been together for four years, and own their own business. Dawn said they are "Happy this is actually happening - for real - been waiting for this day for a long time." They indicated they are excited that this commitment is finally recognized by the state.

There were 152 appointments in downtown San Diego, 18 at the San Marcos County Recorder’s office.

There was only one protester in San Diego, an individual who carried a sign with a biblical verse and shouted “God Bless America,” to passersby. No one seemed to pay much attention to him.

Tuesday was the first day same-sex nuptials were legal throughout California, the nation’s most populous state, which now joins Massachusetts in sanctioning gay unions. The celebrations are tempered by the reality that in a few months, Californians will go to the ballot box to vote on an initiative that would overturn the high court ruling and again ban gay marriage.