It was a happy gathering of the Gay and Lesbian community in downtown Bakersfield today. Couples were finally able to get a marriage licence from the County Clerk's Office and I was there to see some of it happen.
Our auditor-controller-clerk, Ann Barnett has made news all over the world because she quit allowing civil marrages to be performed at her office mere days before the gay and lesbian community could legally tie the knot. She said the reason why is because of lack of "staff and space" which many others think is a load of bull since she is well known for being against gay marriage. She tried to resign the clerk part of her job (the part that handles marriages) but apparently was unable to. Emails have been brought to light of her asking some Christian legal defense fund what would happen if she refused marriage to those that were gay. When she found out she'd be sued, that's when she made the decision to stop performing marriages there entirely. You can research her name on the internet and read all about it yourself if you're so inclined.
Gay couples who were ready to tie the knot TODAY did not let that set them back. Those who wished to get married were allowed to get married on the property outside after they got their license. Several officiants were there performing marriages for free.
There were several people getting married with news crews galore filming the married couples. It was hard getting pictures of this due to so many people being clustered together where it was happening.
These are some of the pictures that we were able to take:
Me. A happy supporter.
I forgot to switch this one around. The woman in the tie used to be my Mom's therapist for a short time. We got to see her and her partner get married.
LOTS of news people.
Police making sure there were no problems. Luckily there were no protesters causing problems. I actually found that surprising. I guess they're saving it for another day.
From Wikipedia (which I already knew but wanted to verify): California is the second state after Massachusetts to allow full marriage rights for same-sex partners.
It was wonderful to be there during this historic moment. One woman pushed around a stroller with her child that had water bottles at the bottom of it. She was giving them away for free. An older woman offered to let me sit down in case I was tired (I wasn't but it was nice to be offered a seat).
I know that there are many people that don't agree with it. "Marriage is just for a man and a woman." I clearly don't agree with that but if you do, so be it. Everyone is welcome to their opinion, but when you're offensive about it, that is what annoys me.
Congrats to everyone in the state of California who got married today!
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Comments: 32
It really doesn't matter what we think as long as they are happy but that is just MY opionon. I don't have a problem with it. I have a family member who is gay. We accepted it.
Congratulations to them all.
You're not only beautiful outside, but also inside.
I never thought I would live to see the day. I am so thrilled. Two states, many more steps to take, but I think I may be able to leave this world a better place for my children and the other children that have come after.
Blessings.
I hope it happens here in Michigan. I have family and friends that wish to marry their partners and they should be granted the right.
so glad to read this happy article!
an important day - thanks for letting us know about it so firsthand.
I'm not saying this to put a damper on things, but couples still need to make sure their legal paperwork is in order just as though they weren't married if they live outside those two states. That means clearly identifying who you want to make decisions about your healthcare, who you want to leave assets to and even more ordinary things like emergency contacts listed at work. I've seen far too many partners (both straight and otherwise) forced to wait in the outside room while distant family members took over ICU rooms. Partners weren't even allowed to get information from the doctor. I know that the patient would not have wanted that way.
Enjoy your wedding, but spend a few minutes with an attorney to to make sure the wedding has some beef behind it if you live outside California.
Shannon great photo essay
I'm happy I had a quiet backyard wedding with maybe 40 or so people. No news vans, lol.
At the event, there wasn't any gifts given out but many people had little parties afterward. :)