Gay Couples Can Marry in California

By Jill Kuraitis, 5-15-08

The California Supreme Court today ruled that gay couples may legally marry, saying that “domestic partnerships” are not equal to marriage, and the civil rights of gay couples are being violated.

The Republican-appointed California court ruled 4 – 3.

From the ruling opinion:
“In contrast to earlier times, our state now recognizes that an individual’s capacity to establish a loving and long-term committed relationship with another person and responsibly to care for and raise children does not depend upon the individual’s sexual orientation, and, more generally, that an individual’s sexual orientation—like a person’s race or gender—does not constitute a legitimate basis upon which to deny or withhold legal rights.”

The decision compels all jurisdictions in California to cooperate with the decision beginning sometime in mid-June.

There is a chance, however, that a ballot amendment could overrule today’s decision.

A group of conservative organizations are trying to get approval for a measure on the November ballot which would amend the state constitution to ban gay marriage.  The group has submitted its paperwork to the Secretary of State and will hear in late June whether there are enough signatures to qualify.

This links to a list of some of the current coverage of the decision.

This links to the complete court decision.