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Gay Couples Rush To Wed

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The Associated Press

Published: October 14, 2008

SAN FRANCISCO - Gay couples from across California and the nation are feverishly tying the knot ahead of Election Day to avoid missing out if voters approve a ballot initiative aimed at banning same-sex marriage.

Aaron Twitchell and Orlando Manzo from Austin, Texas, waited two months for an appointment to get a marriage license in San Francisco. When they got to the city clerk's office, the line of people ahead of them was so long they worried they would be late for their own wedding.

"We are so happy California is so progressive they would allow something like this," said Manzo, 33, as his partner of nine years recently watched the clock and held a Tiffany's bag with their platinum rings inside. "I wouldn't say it's now or never, but we wanted to get married before then."

The urgency intensified last week with news that Proposition 8's supporters had far outraised its opponents and the measure was gaining support in public opinion polls.

"Couples are making their plans to come in before Nov. 4 because people are getting a little uneasy," said San Francisco Clerk-Recorder Karen Hong Lee. "It's too close to call, basically, and it's legal right now, so why wait?"

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