Alameda County Clerk 'Awaits Direction' on Same-Sex Marriages

Alameda County Clerk-Recorder Patrick O'Connell is "awaiting further direction by the courts in order to respond to today’s ruling by the United States Supreme Court that effectively clears the way for same-sex marriages in California," according a county press release.

"We are prepared to act immediately on any new direction provided by the courts with regard to the issuance of marriage licenses in Alameda County," O’Connell said in today's statement.

“We are well positioned to deal with any increased volume of customer traffic that may occur in connection with today’s Supreme Court ruling.’’

The press release says, "Today’s ruling by the Supreme Court sends the matter back to the lower courts where the decision overturning Proposition 8 – the voter-backed initiative that would have banned same-sex marriage – was issued.

"The lower court must now act to lift the stay and issue a mandate effectuating the decision before Alameda County can issue marriage licenses to same sex couples.

"When directed to do so by the lower courts, Alameda County will begin issuing licenses and performing ceremonies for same-sex couples.  No change in the County’s practices of issuing marriage licenses can occur until such notice is received."

A brief notice on the clerk-recorder's website says only, "The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals granted a motion to stay the ruling invalidating Proposition 8 pending appeal.

"We cannot perform same-sex marriages unless and until the stay is lifted and the order invalidating Proposition 8 becomes effective."

Marriage licenses are issued on the first floor of the Clerk-Recorder’s Office at 1106 Madison St. in Oakland. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  The office also has a wedding room on the building’s second floor where marriage ceremonies are held.