One California Clerk Refusing All Marriages

[ccharles000]

http://www.365gay.com/Newscon08/06/060608clerk.htm

(Bakersfield, California) A California county clerk says she'll stop performing all marriage ceremonies shortly before a state Supreme Court order legalizing same-sex marriage takes effect.

A newspaper says the move came after the clerk received advice from Kern County lawyers who said marriages cannot be performed in a discriminatory fashion.

The Bakersfield Californian says Clerk Ann Barnett said Wednesday she would not have the staff or space to deal with an increase in licenses and ceremonies. She plans to stop all ceremonies starting June 13 - three days before gay couples may legally wed.

The newspaper reports she asked county counsel to file a brief with the California Supreme Court opposing implementation of its May 15 ruling allowing gay marriage.

[annabanana]

1. So.. She's quitting?

It sure sounds like she can't do her job.

[DS1]

3. good point

[cynatnite]

2. That won't stand...they'll tell her to do it or lose her job...

What a bullshit excuse. :eyes:

[stillcool]

4. No more marriages?

that might catch on.

[originalpckelly]

5. It's the surest way to prevent divorce.

[AlCzervik]

6. "She plans to stop all ceremonies starting June 13" is that applicable to everyone?

or just gay couples?

[Hobarticus]

7. Everybody....apparently she's "on strike"

and soon to be unemployed, my guess.

[AlCzervik]

8. she should be fired imo.

[Hobarticus]

9. I agree...lotta people looking for work right now...

Not the best time to be pulling stunts.

[AlCzervik]

10. i should have re-read the thread title and i could have anserwed my own ?, anyhow here is some more

The controversy continues after Kern County's Clerk announced weddings will not be performed at the county building as of June 13.

Members of the gay-and-lesbian community are questioning her decision and now, so is another Kern County elected official.

A county supervisor is blasting Kern County Clerk Ann Barnett and calling for change.
Now a county supervisor is coming forward to challenge Barnett's decision.

Second District Supervisor Don Maben plans to bring up this issue at the Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday.

"I think this was the only excuse she could come up with." said Maben. "She is denying them their right by denying everyone their right."

Maben said he hopes to find another county department that can offer civil ceremonies to all couples.

Barnett refused to answer our questions on camera today and delayed a wedding ceremony so that we would not film it.

For the fourth day in a row, Kern County Clerk Ann Barnett refuses to answer questions about her announcement Wednesday that weddings would no longer be performed at the county building.

This came after California's highest court refused to set aside its decision legalizing same-sex marriages.

Barnett said, "We made our decision clear and I will not comment any more about. I really have other things to do."

Yes Ann, i'm so sure your have more to do.

http://www.kget.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=80fdf8e8-03fa-466a-a6de-cfd518cbc7cd

[Hobarticus]

11. It is kinda confusing 'cuz it's so damn dumb...

I mean, really.

This line kills me:

"...she would not have the staff or space to deal with an increase in licenses and ceremonies".

Yeah, she's going to absolutely overwhelmed, I'm sure. What a drama queen.

[AlCzervik]

13. yup, i mean her workload should be the exact same as it would be if the decision

never happened. She seems to have free time to talk to reporters so it loooks like she has ***free time***

[Hekate]

12. Bakersfield is in the reddest of the red part of the state. We're a big state. This is a blip. nt