From the opinion:
Third, because of the widespread disparagement that gay individuals historically have faced, it is all the more probable that excluding same-sex couples from the legal institution of marriage is likely to be viewed as reflecting an official view that their committed relationships are of lesser stature than the comparable relationships of opposite-sex couples. Finally, retaining the designation of marriage exclusively for opposite-sex couples and providing only a separate and distinct designation for same-sex couples may well have the effect of perpetuating a more general premise -- now emphatically rejected by this state -- that gay individuals and same-sex couples are in some respects "second-class citizens" who may, under the law, be treated differently from, and less favorably than, heterosexual individuals or opposite-sex couples. Under these circumstances, we cannot find that retention of the traditional definition of marriage constitutes a compelling state interest. Accordingly, we conclude that to the extent the current California statutory provisions limit marriage to opposite-sex couples, these statutes are unconstitutional.
I am so happy I could cry.
I am so glad at least someone is thinking at Cali courts. Usually, their brains are too fried for any logical thought.
From what I read today it means that gay Marriage is not illegal, it can't be banned. That being said there is some group that is going to try and fight it, so the battle isn't over. As per the fact the mayor of San Fran told people to go get married then those marriages would now be reconingezed but that may or may not make marriages legal but I'm not sure I think it does. I also read in the news that New York state does have a partner law so if you fly out there and get attached NYS would reconize it. I think this is a good thing but is seems tricky. What happens if you get married then something happens where you have to move to another state, but it is at least a good first step.
So that's what was going on! I rode past City hall around 9am and back again at 11:30 to meet my brother for lunch. I thought maybe Barack was in town for bike to work day. Yay Cali!
"like two spinsters become old cat ladies together"
Go ahead and talk about us like we aren't even here... geez.
yay! (e:mike) will you marry me in the state of california only to be null and void here? Just kidding. This is great news. Yay again!
Joshua: I think the civil rights accorded to marriage are ridiculous, all federal 1,300+ of them. They don't account for the variety of living arrangements people have (like two spinsters become old cat ladies together). There needs to be a parallel system for those sorts of unions. But, you are right. Are you alive? Check. Are you human? Check. All right, you're married.
Jenks: That is exactly why this decision is so historic. Cali already had a domestic partnership program that mirrored marriage almost exactly as far as civil rights are concerned. But this decision said that the name is just as important as the rights themselves. It harks back to Brown vs. Board of Ed. 2 where Plessy V Ferguson's "separate but equal" nonsense was smacked down; in this case, two unequal institutions.
This is big news.
wait, is this as monumental as it sounds? did gay marriage just become legal in california?? like real weddings? not just 'civil unions' etc? Or is this just step one?
good news, in any case.
Legally I don't think that stating the sex of those who are getting married should be relevant. Make it between two people (marrying three or more people of any sexual preference is a bridge too far I think) and ensure that they are human. Do a blood test if need be. =D
"bi-curious marriage Elmwood Village" does not get the same results. Almost in the clear.
yup: google "Homosexual Marriage Elmwood Village" and this post is number 2. Amazing.
whoops. I have a heterosexual marriage, legal in all 50 states.
(e:strip) is so google friendly. I wonder how long it is before someone googles "homosexual marriage" and finds my picture.
I bet you wish you could edit comments. ^_^
And now my homosexual marriage is meaningless. I wonder how (e:janelle) will feel about it.