California Clerk
to Refuse All Marriages

A California county clerk says she'll stop performing all marriage ceremonies shortly before a state supreme court order legalizing same-sex marriage takes effect.

A newspaper says the move came after the clerk received advice from Kern County lawyers who said marriages cannot be performed in a discriminatory fashion.

The Bakersfield Californian says clerk Ann Barnett said Wednesday she would not have the staff or space to deal with an increase in licenses and ceremonies. She plans to stop all ceremonies starting June 13 -- three days before gay couples may legally wed.

The newspaper reports she asked county counsel to file a brief with the California supreme court opposing implementation of its May 15 ruling allowing gay marriage. (AP)