DOUCHE OF THE WEEK

San Diego County Clerk Files Petition To Halt Same-Sex Marriages In California

ernie-dronenberg-facebook-460x260In the weeks following the Supreme Court’s decision on Prop 8, San Diego County clerk Ernest J. Dronenburg has filed a petition to halt the same-sex weddings now taking place in the state until the court’s decision is “clarified.” He believes the federal court ruling should only apply to the two couples involved in the lawsuit.

When asked why the petition was being filed, a representative from the San Diego County clerk’s office said “We’re making sure to follow the constitution so there isn’t any confusion.”

But Dronenbug is acting alone on this one, as he’s been met with opposition from a number of authorities around the state. County Chairman Greg Cox was one of the first to issue a statement distancing himself from the petition, saying Dronenburg “acted independently”:

“The County Clerk has acted independently on this matter. No one else from the County was consulted or had any part of this court action, including the Board of Supervisors. The County’s position is and always has been that we, the County, will follow applicable law with regards to same-sex marriage.”

In the meantime, San Diego County clerks have continued to issue marriage licenses and will continue “Walk-In Wednesdays,” when folks seeking marriage licenses do not need to make an appointment prior to coming in.

Dronenburg’s petition, much like a similar petition filed by ProtectMarriage last week, will be examined, but will not halt same-sex marriages in the process. “The filing offers no new arguments that could deny same-sex couples their constitutionally protected civil rights,” said California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris. “The federal injunction is still in effect, and it requires all 58 counties to perform same-sex marriages. No exceptions.”

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