The San Diego County Clerk independently filed a petition with the California Supreme Court on Friday asking to prohibit county clerks from issuing same-sex marriage licenses.
San Diego County Assessor Ernie Dronenburg, who is in charge of issuing marriage licenses, filed the petition Friday through a private attorney. Dronenberg was elected two years ago.
“What we asked is for clarification of the law,” said Sandra Banaga from the clerk’s office.
Banaga also said 19 other counties have also filed a petition and are asking for a temporary stay, meaning no same-sex marriage licenses would be issued should the California Supreme Court decide to take up the petition.
When asked why the counties were filing this petition, she said the reason was simply for clarification.
"We’re making sure to follow the constitution so there isn’t any confusion," she said.
She also said the office hopes that a sense of urgency is brought to the California Supreme Court regarding this petition.
The San Diego County Clerk office also issued a statement Friday saying they will continue "Walk-In Wednesdays" which is when people do not need to make an appointment to get a marriage license.
County Chairman Greg Cox issued a statement about the petition, saying:
"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."
California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris also issued a statement saying:
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"The filing offers no new arguments that could deny same-sex couples their constitutionally protected civil rights. The federal injunction is still in effect, and it requires all 58 counties to perform same-sex marriages. No exceptions," it said.
