L.A. Mayor Happy
to Preside Over Gay Weddings

Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa claims to have taken steps that will allow him to perform same-sex weddings.

Villaraigosa is scheduled to be in Israel when county clerks' offices in California can begin issuing marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples at 5 p.m. on June 16, but he has expressed his intent to officiate at both same-sex and opposite-sex weddings once he returns.

"I've told a number of couples that I will be happy to preside," the mayor said to the Los Angeles Daily News last week. "I will marry as many people as possible."

Before he can do so, Villaraigosa has to fill out a certificate with the California secretary of state's office. (The Advocate)