Marriage Equality Demonstration in Santa Cruz

County a leader in supporting same-sex marriage
By Genevieve Bookwalter
Sentinel staff writer
SANTA CRUZ — For some, Valentine's Day weddings at the County Clerk's office were a quick and easy way to exchange vows without refinancing the house to pay for a ceremony — for others, it became a way to make a political statement.

Wedding ceremonies were scheduled every 30 minutes between 11:30 a.m. and midnight. Couples traded rings under a gauzy wedding arch, wearing everything from blue jeans to satin, high heels to flip-flops.

Jeff and Danielle Stinson, 30 and 24, respectively, of Santa Cruz, came to Pellerin's office Wednesday because they were eager to say "I do" Jeff proposed a few months ago, and said neither one is into the fuss of a big wedding.

"We're both non-hoopla people," Jeff said.

Danielle had a more romantic take on the day.

"It's the day of love, so why not?" Danielle said. "We'd rather have a marriage than a wedding"

While 25 couples showed up at the county clerk's office to tie the knot, several activists attended the nuptials for a different reason: to voice their dismay that gay and lesbian couples can't marry in most of the nation.

But rather than level criticism at County Clerk Gail Pellerin when a lesbian couple was denied their request to swap vows, the activists — six UC Santa Cruz students — thanked her and other county leaders for the support they have shown their cause. They also delivered chocolate and 300 Valentines signed by UCSC students to Pellerin and other county leaders.

"Hopefully, one day the governor will be as supportive as the county of Santa Cruz is," said UCSC freshman Matt Palm, 18, who is gay. "Is my love less than someone else's? Are we less than human? No, we're not"

Palm and the other students visited Pellerin's office as part of national effort spearheaded by Marriage Equality USA. For many gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender activists around the country, Valentines Day doubles as "Freedom to Marry Day" It's a time to express frustration with lawmakers and local leaders over the fact that only Massachusetts allows same-sex marriage.

In California, the state Supreme Court is now considering whether couples have a constitutional right to marry. Santa Cruz County has filed an argument supporting gay marriage in that case.

Meanwhile, Pellerin is one of a growing number of California county clerks voicing support for allowing same-sex couples to wed. Yolo County Clerk-Recorder Freddie Oakley prepared "certificates of inequality" to present to same-sex pairs who requested marriage licenses Wednesday. In San Mateo County, Clerk Warren Slocum has written state and local leaders asking them to support an Assembly bill co-authored by Assemblyman John Laird, D-Santa Cruz and about 35 others legalizing gay marriage. Pellerin asked county supervisors to do the same, and on Tuesday they unanimously agreed.

Contact Genevieve Bookwalter at gbookwalter [at] santacruzsentinel.com.