August 4th proved to be a historic day of victory for equality and for the GLBT community. A day devoted to celebrating the courage of Judge Vaughn Walker, his ruling, celebrating love and equality. In San Diego, no one was more proud that day than the its citizens of the GLBT community and its allies. For an instant, it seemed as though marriage equality had finally been realized, even considering the impending dismay and outrage of Prop 8’s proponents.

With the August 4th ruling in place and the Stay lifted on August 12th, hundreds of couples flooded the County Clerks Office’s phone lines to begin making their appointments for marriage licenses and ceremonies.

“On Thursday, about less than 10% of the appointments for that day were free. Friday, there were less than 20% left. So those days filled up quickly after the stay was lifted,” stated Sandra Banaga, Manager at the County Clerks Office.

But the Stay left many marriage hopefuls waiting another week for their opportunities to marry under California law.

With the recent 9th Circuit ruling extending the Stay until at least December, the outcry for equality has left many San Diegans with a tried patience. The County Clerk’s Office has unfortunately had to deal with the justified disappointments and anger of many couples once again losing their right to marry. In a statement, David L. Butler, Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk had this to say.

“It is my responsibility as the Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk to provide services to the citizens of San Diego County in a fair and equitable manner and in accordance with all legal mandates. All citizens requesting services from my office will be treated with dignity and respect. At the current time, the court has issued a stay on the issuance of marriage licenses to same-sex couples, so my office is legally prohibited from issuing licenses to that community. We will begin issuing licenses to same-sex couples as soon as we have legal authority to do so.”

Although a specific number could not be legally given, an estimated couple hundred had called for appointments followed by cancellations when the public heard the Stay was extended. Now, the County Clerk’s Office is unfortunately put in a position where they must deny marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

“We have to take a position of neutrality, no matter what our personal beliefs are. Our job is to uphold the law, but if the ruling changes, we will uphold that as well,” state Butler.

In 2008, David Butler held the position of Assistant Assessor/ Recorder/County Clerk during the period of time in which same-sex couples were allowed to marry. During this time, the GLBT community in San Diego was concerned in how they would be treated at the Clerk’s Office when applying for marriage licenses.

“I’m proud of the fact that the 2008 marriages were allowed. People were treated with respect and dignity. I heard nothing but great comments from the GLBT community about the staff.”

During that time, Butler had worked with The Center to quell the community’s concerns about their treatment at the Clerk’s Office prior to their marriages. The community’s concerns were laid to rest when hundreds of united partners left the office during that time.

With the Stay extended until at least December, GLBT couples are becoming increasingly frustrated and justifiably outraged. All of them waiting for the right to one day marry, a day which seems to never come.