Lesbian couple rejected for marriage license in Beverly Hills -- again
City News Service
February 14, 2007 

A lesbian couple who want to see same-sex marriages legalized and whose lawsuit is before the California Supreme Court made another unsuccessful Valentine's Day attempt to get a marriage license in Beverly Hills today.

Robin Tyler and Diane Olson also went to the Beverly Hills Courthouse in 2004 and 2006 attempting to get a marriage license. However they were turned down both times, with representatives of the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's Office citing Proposition 22, approved by voters in 2000, which declares that only a marriage between a man and a woman is recognized in California.

Tyler and Olson were turned down again this year.

After the failed attempt, Tyler and Olson held a news conference with their attorney, Gloria Allred, who presented them with a copy of the brief filed today in their case with the California Supreme Court.

Olson is a granddaughter of Culbert L. Olson, California's governor from 1939-43.

Tyler said they said she and Olson feel they have a right to marry and have no plans to give up their push for legalized same-sex marriage.

"My partner Diane and I have been together for 14 years," Tyler told KFWB radio. "We have known each other for decades and decades, how long has it been, like 30 years, long time. And if not us, who? And why not?"

Supporters of same-sex marriage have said it is discriminatory to prohibit same-sex couples from getting married. Opponents say only a marriage between a man and a woman fits the definition of marriage.

"Valentine's Day marks love between a man and a woman," said Randy Thomasson, president of the Sacramento-based Campaign for Children and Families, which he described as a statewide pro family organization. "Those who are attacking marriage by virtually beating down the doors of county clerks' offices are not eligible for marriage because they are not a man and a woman together. To have a civil society, people have to follow the rules."