Same-sex couples are able to marry again as of Friday evening, after a federal appeals court released a surprise order, fuelling jubilation among gays and from the supporters of Proposition 8.
In an unexpected move, a federal appeals court cleared the way, bypassing a normal waiting period and lifting a hold on a trial judge's order that declared Proposition 8 unconstitutional.
Matt Dorsey, a spokesman for San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera, said city officials were preparing to let couples marry as soon as possible, according to CBS news.
Less than two hours later after the announcement, the first wedding occurred in San Francisco when Attorney General Kamala Harris performed the ceremony for Sandy Stier and Kris Perry, two of the plaintiffs in legal challenge that overturned the state's same-sex marriage ban.
"On my way to SF City Hall. Let the wedding bells ring," Harris tweeted after the 9th Circuit issued its order.
"I am thrilled that the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals lifted its stay to allow same-sex couples to legally marry in California," Harris said. "Gay and lesbian couples have waited so long for this day and for their fundamental right to marry. Finally, their loving relationships are as legitimate and legal as any other."
The Associated Press reported Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo, the two other plaintiffs who successfully challenged Proposition 8 before the Supreme Court, will marry at 6:15 p.m. Friday at Los Angeles City Hall.
The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 Wednesday that the sponsors of California's voter-approved gay marriage ban lacked authority to defend Proposition 8 in court once Harris and Gov. Jerry Brown refused to do so.
