County Clerk avoids questions after decision to stop performing marriage ceremonies

Published: 6/06/2008 6:24 pm

Updated: 6/06/2008 7:38 pm

The controversy continues after Kern County's Clerk announced weddings will not be performed at the county building as of June 13.

Members of the gay-and-lesbian community are questioning her decision and now, so is another Kern County elected official.

A county supervisor is blasting Kern County Clerk Ann Barnett and calling for change.
Now a county supervisor is coming forward to challenge Barnett's decision.

Second District Supervisor Don Maben plans to bring up this issue at the Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday.

"I think this was the only excuse she could come up with." said Maben. "She is denying them their right by denying everyone their right."

Maben said he hopes to find another county department that can offer civil ceremonies to all couples.

Barnett refused to answer our questions on camera today and delayed a wedding ceremony so that we would not film it.

For the fourth day in a row, Kern County Clerk Ann Barnett refuses to answer questions about her announcement Wednesday that weddings would no longer be performed at the county building.

This came after California's highest court refused to set aside its decision legalizing same-sex marriages.

Barnett said, "We made our decision clear and I will not comment any more about. I really have other things to do."

In accordance with the law, same-sex marriage licenses will be issued, but Barnett's office will no longer officiate any weddings.

In a press release, Barnett said budgetary problems and security concerns are to blame for her decision.

Gerardo and Inez Salas, one of the last couples to get married at the county office, invited 17News to film their wedding Friday, but as they waited for their name to be called, a county employee spoke with Barnett and then said 17News cameras could not come inside.

Because the County office is a public building, they agreed to allow 17News to shoot the couple's wedding.

The Kern County Clerk's decision to stop performing marriage ceremonies is getting national attention.

The San Jose Mercury News, The Minneapolis- Saint-Paul-Star-Tribune, The Charlotte Observer, WBAY in Green Bay, and KSBY in San Luis Obispo are all covering the controversy.

As it stands, gay and lesbian couples can legally get married in Kern County beginning June 17.

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The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of KGET TV 17 - In the Spirit of the Golden Empire

Big B - 6/10/2008 9:31 AM

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DarthDuh, So your flavor of rule would be defined as: Socialism? Where a court, not of the people – but of the government, can override the will of the people... And as for your extreme reach with "deemed such laws discriminatory" line, quite humors thought, where were this faction that was being discriminated against when Prop.22 passed in 2000? Oh yeah, they lost to the majority. Darn those oppressive representative republic laws getting’ in the way, again. With your premise, why even have voting rights at all, lets just have what feel 'right' on any given day. Or just let the few dictate to the many…you know that socialism model your wanting. It works great… with ants, not human beings. Respectfully

Cynthia Greywolf - 6/9/2008 5:25 PM

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I Am so sorry I just had to do this 'cause it's just too funny...OK,If it can contain a problematic possible epidemic through long range monogomous relationships V.S. more S.T.D. treatment with all across the board Long term effect it might work . As I See It It's Their Butt Not Mine......LOL...LOL

DarthDuh - 6/9/2008 12:57 PM

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Big B-civil rights should not be sacrificed by the whims of the majority. What Californians voted on regarded gay marriage is null and void because the courts, rightfully so, deemed such laws discriminatory. Majority opinion does not substantiate what is right and what is wrong. What if the majority in our community decided that no one under 30 could get married. As much as some of us might agree with that, it does not make it right just because the MAJORITY say its right. Thank God for our Constitution and shame on those like Barnett who look to circumvent it. She should loose her job over this.

bye1962 - 6/9/2008 10:19 AM

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thank-you and have a great day.

bye1962 - 6/9/2008 10:18 AM

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I'm neutral about the gay thing. what I'm upset about is my sweetheart and i had to move up our wedding date from july to sometime this week. she is not being fair to us by making that decision for us. we should be able to make that decision for ourselves. who does she think she is to ban weddings for ALL of us after june 13th? i can't remember your name county clerk, but who do YOU think YOU ARE that YOU can MAKE that decision for US? WE should be able to make THAT decision for OURSELVES, NOT YOU! at least i can be thankful that i can still marry my sweetheart sometime this week. have a great day.

Big B - 6/9/2008 9:19 AM

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It's time the majority stand up to the minority, and for those who can't read past the word minority with out having a knee jerk tizzy, this IS NOT a race issue. But rather an issue of the will of the people, i.e., the majority, being followed. What Ann Barnett has done is take a stand, one that minority do not like, but what of the wants of the majority…if there weren’t people like her we would be lost, well more lost than we already are. Furthermore, It’s all going to be a moot point in November anyway when the majority of the state again votes their will – as they did with Prop. 22! Respectfully submitted.

redumbrella - 6/9/2008 9:01 AM

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DarthDuh is absolutely correct. The system is in place for a reason, regardless of personal beliefs. Making personal attacks because of your religious opinion just makes you look childish and petty. I'm pretty sure that your God never gave you the right to judge others. Appreciate our system, appreciate your beliefs, but understand that we live in a remarkable country where people get the opportunity to stand up for what they want, even if it offends you. Hate if you want to, but maybe people should try on compassion and understanding for size. We could use a little less misery these days.

DarthDuh - 6/9/2008 8:22 AM

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The courts exist to protect the minority against the will of the majority. Whether you agree with homosexuality or not is inmaterial. Our legal system is set up to ensure LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. Not just for those who share our values. And to evangelicals out there: God doesn't need governments help. Ann Barnett is overstepping her boundaries. I hope someone can step in and intervene or Ann Barnett should be removed from office. This is more politically motivated than the Ken Weir debacle.

KKing - 6/9/2008 7:39 AM

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rnzachery has a good point. And so does jmabbott888. Thank you guys!

cynsgirl - 6/8/2008 1:07 PM

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I WOULD LOVE TO SEE HOW YOU ALL WOULD FEEL IF EVERYONE TOLD YOU WHO YOU COULD LOVE AND MARRY, HOW SAD IT WOULD BE FOR YOU. I LOVE MY BETTER HALF AND I DON'T SEE WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE SUCH A HATFUL SAY IN WHO I LOVE AND WHO I SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO MARRY. I DON'T TELL YOU WHO TO LOVE AND TO MARRY IT DOESN'T EFFECT YOU SO YOU SHOULD JUST LET US BE.... LET US LOVE WHO WE WANT AND I SHOULD HAVE THE SAME RIGHTS ABOUT MARRIAGE AS YOU DO... AND THIS COUNTY CLERK IS JUST A HOMOPHOBE AND IS USING HER POWER TO SUIT HER SELF..

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