The rift over gay marriage is as wide as can be – and authorities hope both sides will keep their distance next week to head off trouble when same-sex couples are legally allowed to wed.
Sacramento County is expecting a record number of couples – at least 93 – to seek marriage licenses Tuesday when the county for the first time begins issuing same-sex marriage licenses.
Gay rights advocates in Sacramento on Wednesday sought assurances from police that the department will do all it can to prevent disruptions during same-sex nuptials.
The state Supreme Court on May 15 legalized same-sex marriages, effective 5 p.m. Monday.
Yolo County is the only jurisdiction in the capital area that will remain open Monday evening to issue marriage licenses.
"You can't be too prepared," said Ed Bennett, president of the Sacramento Stonewall Democrats, who took part in meetings with police at the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center.
"We just want to make sure we're covered. We're not expecting any trouble. They said they'll be around, and be there if we need them."
At least 93 couples are scheduled to apply for marriage licenses at the Sacramento County clerk's office on Tuesday, many of them same-sex couples, said Wanda Dark, Sacramento County's assistant clerk/recorder. The county typically marries about 70 couples on Valentine's Day, its busiest day of the year.
"This is a very celebratory day for them," and the city plans to keep disruptions at a minimum, said Capt. Darrell Fong, the police liaison to the city's gay community.
The department is considering boosting patrols but won't prevent protesters from expressing their views if they do so in a peaceful manner.
"Obviously, we are aware of the impending event, and we will respond appropriately," said Sgt. Matt Young, Sacramento Police Department spokesman.
"We really don't know what to expect. This is an emotional issue for people, and we expect people to come out and voice their opinion."
Rick Cole, senior pastor at Capital Christian Center, said he has no plans to encourage his congregation to protest the weddings.
"I don't believe that would be an appropriate way of expressing our values, and I would hope that doesn't happen," Cole said. "Our desire has been to approach it from whatever we can do legislatively."
In Woodland, the Yolo County clerk will begin issuing marriage licenses to gay couples at 5 p.m. Monday.
The Sheriff's Department will be on call, but no specific precautions are in place.
"We have no information that there will be any problems," said sheriff's Capt. Robin Faille. "If we have any indication that there would be any concern, we will certainly have the presence of a deputy there. If there's no problem, let's not make it a problem."
Call The Bee's Bobby Caina Calvan, (916) 321-1067.
