California Clerks
May Issue Licenses as Soon as June 16

California officials say counties may begin issuing gender-neutral marriage licenses the minute after a state supreme court order legalizing same-sex marriage takes effect.

The Office of Vital Records advised all 58 California counties Thursday that they can begin issuing the licenses June 16 at 5:01 p.m. An earlier notice said clerks could make the new licenses available at the start of the business day June 17.

The licenses say ''Party A'' and ''Party B'' where "bride" and "groom" used to be.

San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom has said he wanted to keep the clerk's office open past the close of business so gay couples could wed as soon as possible.

The vital records office is not requiring counties to remain open after business hours. (AP)