County Prepared for ‘Pent-Up Demand’ For Gay Marriage

Written by Beatrice Karnes

The Contra Costa County Clerk and Recorder’s Office is expecting to see a surge in applications for same-sex marriages. The office issues marriage licenses.

Prop 8 supporters have 25 days to request a re-hearing before a district judge on the legality of prohibiting gay marriage, following Wednesday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision. However, same-gender marriages could resume sooner if the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals lifts a stay of the District Court’s original decision to overturn Prop. 8.

Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder Joe Canciamilla says his office is ready, “We took steps prior to the passage of Proposition 8 that will allow us to quickly shift gears and enable same-gender marriages. All of our documents are gender neutral, and our staff is fully prepared to manage the likely pent-up demand.”

The State Department of Public Health is responsible for setting guidelines for marriage licensing, and will have to authorize counties to once again issue licenses to same-gender couples. 

To download a marriage license application, use the Clerk-Recorder's marriage licensing information website.