Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Friday embraced the idea of gay marriages starting in June in California counties.
The state issued guidelines to county clerks this week authorizing gay marriages in California starting June 17 unless the courts impose a stay before then. The guidelines come after the state Supreme Court this month overturned a ban on gay marriage in California.
The governor appeared Friday at a school in Pacoima to announce the release of $463 million in bond money to pay for new construction at charter schools, where he responded to a reporter's question about gay marriage.
"The Supreme Court has decided it is unconstitutional to stop people from getting married, same-sex marriage, and therefore we move forward now and let people get married and have same-sex marriage in California," Schwarzenegger said. "I think that we should move forward, and I hope they do, and I think that what I've heard, by June 16th or so, the offices will open up and will make it available."
Voters approved a state law in 2000 defining marriage as "between a man and a woman," and Schwarzenegger said Friday he always believed the law should stand until the courts or voters overturned it. He previously explained that he personally believes marriage is "between a man and a woman" but that he does not believe one's personal belief should be imposed on others.
Conservatives are pursuing a stay that would block gay marriages from taking effect in California until voters have the chance in November to decide on a constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage. Schwarzenegger opposes the stay and the constitutional amendment.
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