City of West Hollywood in Conjunction With the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder Clerk Will Begin Historic Issuance of Marriage Licenses to Same-Sex Couples on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at West Hollywood Park.

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony to Kick-Off the Issuance of Same-Sex Marriage Licenses at 8:30 a.m. at West Hollywood Park

WEST HOLLYWOOD -- In a monumental moment in the history of the United States, the City of West Hollywood in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Register-Recorder Clerk will begin to issue marriage licenses and perform civil ceremonies for same-sex couples on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at West Hollywood Park, 647 N. San Vicente Boulevard in West Hollywood. In May, the California Supreme Court granted same-sex couples in California the right to marry. West Hollywood City Councilmembers and Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky will participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to kick-off the issuance of same-sex marriage licenses at 8:30 a.m. at West Hollywood Park.

"This is an historic day, not only for California, but for the nation," said West Hollywood Mayor Jeffrey Prang. "Today, as the LGBT community takes a major step forward in our civil rights movement, we publicly commit to love who we choose and be recognized in the eyes of the law," he continued.

"Our Constitution guarantees everyone equal rights and equal protections - that is what gays and lesbians have been asking for - nothing more and nothing less. As we exercise the fundamental freedom to marry, I applaud the decision of the California Supreme Court and congratulate the couples gathered here as they begin their new lives together," said Mayor Prang.

In order to obtain a marriage license:

* Both parties must provide valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID card, resident alien card). If a person's ID does not contain their full legal name they must provide a certified copy of their birth record or a social security card.

* Both parties must appear to apply for and pick up their marriage license. There is a fee of $70 for the marriage license. The fee for a civil marriage ceremony is $25. (Cash, check or money orders will be accepted.)

* If a person has been divorced within the last two years they must bring in a certified copy of their divorce decree.

Starting on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 same-sex couples can apply for a Marriage License online at www.lamarriage.lacounty.gov. It is easy and saves time. Click on "Marriage Licenses and Ceremonies." Once the online application is completed, they can come to West Hollywood Park to pay for and pick up their marriage license and if desired, arrange for a civil marriage ceremony. (There will be NO camping in the park the night before June 17, 2008.)

On Friday, June 20, 2008, marriage licenses and appointments for civil ceremonies will be available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the auditorium at West Hollywood Park. On Saturday, June 21, 2008, civil ceremonies will be conducted by appointment only from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at West Hollywood Park. Appointments can be made in advance by calling 323-848-6409. Marriage license will not be issued on this day.

Since its incorporation in 1984, the City of West Hollywood has been one of the most ardent advocates for the legal rights of same-sex couples and the right to marry. It was one of the first cities in the country to pass a resolution in support of same-sex marriage. The City, along with a number of other cities in California, filed an amicus brief in the case in support of same-sex marriage rights. The City of West Hollywood is known throughout the world for its pioneering efforts on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) rights and established one of the first domestic partnership laws in the country in 1985.

West Hollywood City Councilmember comments:

Mayor Jeffrey Prang:

"While we celebrate, we cannot ignore the November ballot initiative that has threatened the rights of LGBT citizens in California. However, I believe the Constitution, and the American people, continue to demonstrate a fundamental belief in fairness for all people, no matter their status," he continued.

Mayor Pro Tempore Abbe Land:

"I'm so looking forward to joining with thousands of others on this historic day as we celebrate love and equality," said West Hollywood Mayor Pro Tempore Abbe Land. "We are deeply appreciative of the efforts of the Los Angeles County Registrar/Recorder's office and our hard-working City staff for making it possible for marriage licenses to be issued in West Hollywood. We know it means so much to so many to be able to obtain their marriage license in West Hollywood, which, since its founding, has been a beacon to and an advocate for the LGBT community," she continued.

Councilmember John Duran:

"The marriage licenses have not arisen in a political vacuum," said West Hollywood Councilmember John Duran. "Rather, the right to marry the person you love comes from years of hard work and struggle by hundreds of Californians who still believe in America's promises of fairness, justice, and equal treatment under the law."

Councilmember Sal Guarriello:

"West Hollywood is very excited about the same sex marriage decision and ready to issue marriage licenses," said West Hollywood Councilmember Sal Guarriello. "This is a great time for the GLBT community, West Hollywood, and all of California. I believe that everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, should be able to make the legal commitment of marriage. Marriage is a great institution and I recommend that everyone gets the opportunity to marry at least once. So come to West Hollywood, honeymoon at one of our great hotels, eat at one of our wonderful restaurants and just know you will be welcome here," he continued.

Councilmember John Heilman:

"The City of West Hollywood has been in the forefront in the fight for equality for the LGBT community," said West Hollywood Councilmember John Heilman. "We are so excited that gay and lesbian couples finally have the legal right to get married," he continued.

For more information, please visit www.weho.org/marriage or, if you would like to be updated via email, please submit your email address by visiting www.weho.org/lists and choosing "Marriage License Information" from our available lists or call 323-848-6409.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

* MEDIA PARKING WILL BE AVAILABLE ALONG SAN VICENTE BOULEVARD.

* NO MEDIA ACCESS INSIDE WEST HOLLYWOOD PARK AUDITORIUM DUE TO LOS ANGELES COUNTY RESTRICTIONS

* ELECTRONIC MEDIA KIT AVAILABLE AT: www.weho.org/marriagemedia