Comments on: Yeager Might Officiate SJ’s 1st Gay Wedding

By: Ken Yeager's Newsletter ...

Ken Yeager's Newsletter ... — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:15:13 +0000

And in his own words, Ken Yeager provides this update in his June 26 newsletter:

COUNTY ISSUES 111 MARRIAGE LICENSES IN WAKE OF COURT RULING

On the first day that same-gender couples could legally marry, Santa Clara County handed out a total of 111 marriage licenses. More than 30 of those couples — both same-gender and heterosexual — had their marriage ceremonies on June 17 at the Santa Clara County Wedding Chapel.

Dozens of same-gender couples lined up outside the County Government Center to be among the first in line to receive their licenses. I personally officiated over the first two ceremonies, proud that our county provides its services to all residents.

The California Supreme Court’s May 15 ruling that the state must recognize same-gender marriages has already boosted the county’s revenue. On a typical day in June, the county used to issue about 40 licenses. With about two-and-a-half times that number of couples coming to tie the knot, the county has received more funds in marriage license and ceremony fees.

But beyond the money that comes with an increase in marriages, the astounding number of 111 marriage licenses means the county is doing its job in providing services equally. Without the California Supreme Court’s ruling, the county would have had to continue denying the rights of hundreds of same-gender couples in our community to express their love the same way that heterosexual couples do.

I am proud that County Clerk-Recorder Gina Alcomendras and her staff were ready to issue marriage licenses to same-gender couples from the day of the court’s ruling. This demonstrates the commitment that the county has toward all of its residents.

By: SJMN Video ...

SJMN Video ... — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 05:02:49 +0000

As expected, Supervisor Ken Yeager did officiate during the first gay marriage ceremonies in Santa Clara County. The SJ Mercury News reported on the event in its print edition, and provides this video coverage as well:

http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_9620645

By: SJMN's Sal Pizarro ...

SJMN's Sal Pizarro ... — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 04:50:43 +0000

It’s not like WGx was the first to suggest the idea – actually it was Yeager himself – but this humble little weblog is honored to have reported the idea before The Merc’s Sal Pizarro, who proposed (pun intended) the Yeager idea in his column on June 10:

I can’t think of a better person to perform Santa Clara County’s first same-sex marriages next week than Supervisor Ken Yeager.

Yeager, the first openly gay member of both the San Jose City Council and the county board of supervisors, said he’s excited about officiating for two couples that already have appointments to get married next Tuesday morning.

“It’s very exciting,” said Yeager, who became a deputized commissioner of civil marriage last week. “We’ve had requests from 20 couples, and I think we’re going to be scheduling them throughout the summer.”