SF Gate reports:

"Permitting this decision to take effect immediately - in the light of the realistic possibility that the people of California might amend their constitution to reaffirm marriage as the union of one man and one woman - risks legal havoc and uncertainty of immeasurable magnitude," the filing states.

A spokesman for San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera said they would fight any delay in issuing the marriage certificates to gay couples. Lawyers for the city are expected to file a legal response next week.

Many county clerks believe the gay unions could begin as early as June 16. And although the proposed gay-marriage ban has not officials been put on the November ballot yet, supporters have obtained the necessary signatures.

It is unclear what would happen to gay couples who marry between June and November if the initiative passes.

"It is to no one's benefit to redefine marriage for four or five months," said Andrew Pugno, legal counsel for the Proposition 22 Legal Defense Fund.

Last update: 01-31-2009 19:49