Gov. Jerry Brown signed AB 1525 by Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) into law on Friday, Sept. 19, allowing city clerks to perform marriage ceremonies, according to Lowenthal’s office.
Sponsored by the City of Long Beach, the measure adds city clerks to the list of officials allowed to solemnize marriage ceremonies. The list already includes county clerks, judges, justices, mayors, county supervisors, legislators and members of Congress.
“This is great news for couples in Long Beach,” Lowenthal said. “In just a few months, wedding bells will ring at City Hall, and we’ll have one more reason to celebrate.”
Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia called the occasion a great day for Long Beach, love and equality. “I am proud that city clerks can begin offering civil marriages,” Garcia said. “I want to thank the State Legislature and Governor Brown for enacting this law.”
When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Proposition 8 ban on same-sex marriages in June 2013, the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder granted temporary authority to allow local city clerks in Long Beach to conduct civil marriage ceremonies for all couples wishing to get married. The temporary, two-month authority was used by many, according to the City of Long Beach, and the Long Beach City Clerk Department was able to solemnize 65 civil wedding ceremonies during that time.
Couples wishing to get married at Long Beach City Hall can take advantage of this new law, beginning at midnight on Jan. 1, 2015. Appointments can be made with the Long Beach City Clerk’s Office by calling (562) 570-6101.
Source: Assemblymember Lowenthal’s office, City of LB
