May 15, 2008 4:21 pm US/Eastern
Gay Marriage Supporters In MA Applaud CA Decision
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
California may soon join Massachusetts and allow gay marriage.
The California Supreme Court overturned a voter-approved gay marriage ban on Thursday, opening the door for same-sex weddings.
Many gay rights activists in Massachusetts are thrilled with the news. GLAD Civil Rights Project Director Mary Bonauto, released this statement after the ruling was made. "Like Massachusetts, your courts and legislature have seen the humanity gay people share in common with others. Get ready for an outbreak of happiness as committed couples finally share in the dignity and security that marriage brings."
The California justices' 4-3 decision says domestic partnerships are not a good enough substitute for marriage. Chief Justice Ron George wrote the opinion.
According to the Family Equality Council, California has the highest number of same-sex couples in the nation.
Two dozen gay and lesbian couples and gay rights groups in San Francisco sued in March 2004 after the court halted the city's month-long same-sex wedding march.
Massachusetts' legal fight over gay marriage started three years before when seven same-sex couples who had been denied marriage licenses sued in Suffolk Superior Court.
In 2003, the state's highest court ruled it was unconstitutional to bar gay couples from marriage.
Sen. Ted Kennedy said he is happy with decision made in California. "I congratulate the California Supreme Court on its recognition that true equality demands that all people have the right to marry and form families. Massachusetts has recognized the right of gay and lesbian couples to marry since 2004 and our experience has refuted the critics. We only strengthen our society when we allow all our citizens to enter into a solemn commitment to share in life's joys and difficulties."
Gay marriages are not a done deal in the California just yet. A coalition of religious and social conservative groups is attempting to put a measure on the November ballot that would put a law banning gay marriage in the state constitution.
If voters pass the measure, it would trump the court's decision.
(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
