California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Friday embraced the idea of gay marriages starting in June in California counties, Sacramento Bee reports on its Capitol Alert blog.

Speaking at a ceremony announcing a charter school financing package, the governor expressed hope that the Supreme Court will reject an appeal from conservative groups for a delay in implementation of marriage equality.

“I think that we should move forward,” Schwarzenegger said, “and I hope they do, and I think that what I’ve heard, by June 16th or so, the offices will open up and will make it available.”

Schwarzenegger twice vetoed bills passed by the legislature legalizing same-sex marriage, but the Republican governor has expressed support for the landmark court decision since it was announced by the high court.

On Wednesday, he said that weddings for gay and lesbian couples should be good for the state’s struggling economy.

“You know, I’m wishing everyone good luck with their marriages and I hope that California’s economy is booming because everyone is going to come here and get married,” said Schwarzenegger, prompting laughs and applause during a San Francisco appearance.

Schwarzenegger spokesman Aaron McLear told the Sacramento Bee that the governor meant his remark in a “lighthearted, tongue-in-cheek manner.”

“Certainly whenever folks come to California and spend money, it’s a good thing, but we have not done any kind of study to determine what kind of economic impact this will have,” McLear said.

But the governor also reiterated in San Francisco that opposes an initiative backed by conservatives to ban gay marriage in the state constitution. He said he personally defines marriage as between a man and a woman but that he does not “want to force that opinion on anyone.”

The state issued guidelines to county clerks this week authorizing gay marriages in California starting June 17 unless the courts impose a stay before then. The guidelines come after the state Supreme Court this month overturned a ban on gay marriage in California.

Answering questions from reporters after Friday’s appearance, Schwarzenegger said, “The Supreme Court has decided it is unconstitutional to stop people from getting married, same-sex marriage, and therefore we move forward now and let people get married and have same-sex marriage in California.”

Source: Sacramento Bee Capitol Alert, Sacramento Bee

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