King County signing gay marriage licenses at midnight
Nov 15, 2012, 1:57 PM | Updated: 2:10 pm
Same sex couples won't have to wait a minute extra to get their marriage licenses in King County. (AP Photo)
(AP Photo)
Same sex couples won’t have to wait a minute extra to get their marriage licenses in King County.
County Executive Dow Constantine says the County Recorder’s Office will open at 12:01 a.m. on Dec. 6, the first official day licenses can be issued.
“I don’t want couples to wait a minute longer than legally necessary to get the rights that voters have recognized,” said Executive Constantine, who will personally sign the first marriage licenses at 12:01 a.m.
Couples will have to wait another three days before the actual marriage ceremony may be performed.
The move will make King County the first jurisdiction in the nation to issue marriage licenses based on voter approval. Voters in Maryland and Maine approved marriage equality initiatives last week, but their laws will not take effect until January.
Couples can start lining up at the King County Administration Building James Street entrance at 10:00 p.m. on Dec. 5. Both parties must be present to obtain a marriage license in person. Couples should bring a completed application, photo ID, and the $64 fee (cash or check).
