Twitter is abuzz with the news that Judge Vaughn R. Walker has lifted a stay on his historic Prop. 8 ruling, meaning gay couples in California can once again legally marry beginning Aug. 18. Officials are standing by.

Update from the Los Angeles Times: “U.S. District Judge Vaughn R. Walker, who overturned the measure on Aug. 4, agreed to give its sponsors until Aug. 18 to appeal his ruling to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. No new marriages can take place until then.”

Los Angeles Times:

If “the stay is lifted, ceremonies will be performed on a first-come, first-served basis between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday,” West Hollywood city officials said in a statement. “Those wanting to get married need to get a license first then can go to Kings Road Park.”

If the judge lifts the stay, Mayor Antonio Villaragosa said he plans to start performing marriages Thursday afternoon on the steps of City Hall.

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