Today the California Supreme Court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage! This evening I attended a celebration rally in West Hollywood.
Some facts:
- While domestic partner benefits have been extended to same-sex couples in CA for the past few years, the court ruled that providing these rights through a separate system of domestic partnerships does not satisfy the state constitution.
- In a 4-3 decision, the court ruled - "In light of the fundamental nature of the substantive rights embodied in the right to marry — and their central importance to an individual's opportunity to live a happy, meaningful and satisfying life as a full member of society — the California Constitution properly must be interpreted to guarantee this basic civil right to all couples, without regard to their sexual orientation."
The court also noted: "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."
- For more information, check out The National Center for Lesbian Rights, Lambda Legal, or the ACLU - three organizations that were involved with this landmark case.
- Right wing conservatists are already trying to overturn the ruling with a ballot initiative. To see how you can help fight back, check out Equality for All.
As for me, I don't have anyone to marry at this time, but I know she's out there somewhere... :)
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