Posted on 05/15/2008 10:18:34 AM PDT by NormsRevenge
SAN FRANCISCO - The California Supreme Court has overturned a gay marriage ban in a ruling that would make the nation's largest state the second one to allow gay and lesbian weddings.
The justices' 4-3 decision Thursday says domestic partnerships are not a good enough substitute for marriage. Chief Justice Ron George wrote the opinion.
The city of San Francisco, two dozen gay and lesbian couples and gay rights groups sued in March 2004 after the court halted San Francisco's monthlong same-sex wedding march.
The case before the court involved a series of lawsuits seeking to overturn a voter-approved law that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
With the ruling, California could become the second state after Massachusetts where gay and lesbian residents can marry.
"What happens in California, either way, will have a huge impact around the nation. It will set the tone," said Geoffrey Kors, executive director of the gay rights group Equality California.
California already offers same-sex couples who register as domestic partners the same legal rights and responsibilities as married spouses, including the right to divorce and to sue for child support. It's therefore unclear what additional relief state lawmakers could offer short of marriage if the court renders the existing ban unconstitutional.
A coalition of religious and social conservative groups is attempting to put a measure on the November ballot that would enshrine California's current laws banning gay marriage in the state constitution.
The Secretary of State is expected to rule by the end of June whether the sponsors gathered enough signature to qualify the marriage amendment, similar to ones enacted in 26 other states.
The cases before the California court were brought by the city of San Francisco, two dozen gay and lesbian couples, Equality California and another gay rights group in March 2004 after the court halted San Francisco's monthlong same-sex wedding march that took place at Mayor Gavin Newsom's direction.
So much for Republican appointed judges huh.
ping.
Already have half of it
P.S. I thought Alaska, not California, was the nation’s LARGEST state. Texas is second largest. California is the MOST POPULOUS, not the LARGEST. There’s a difference. But who has time for geography or English when the primary mission of public schools is social engineering?
Uh-oh, BIG earthquake coming soon !!!
Let's be honest. We started the process of destroying marriage when we instituted divorce at will.
UGH! I read some of it. I just heard on Fox that 6 of the 7 justices were appointed by Republicans, or at least governors with an (R) next to their name. Even Corrigan’s dissenting opinion was a gagger. WASS!
Did you see all the pages of attorneys in this case? Full employment project!
Concurring opinions:
George
Wedegar
Kennard
Moreno
Dissenting:
Baxter
Chin
Corrigan
Leftists twist themselves in knots to get out of this argument, but
if “one man and one woman” is an “arbitrary” definition of marriage that is subject to revision,
how is “two adults” any less of an “arbitrary” definition?
OK, so maybe we’ll just peal off the coast and keep the inland part that actually produces the food that you reference. The inlanders’ counties and districts are conservative voting.
Now what happens? gay marriage is now legal or are there others that need to approve this?
This is an utter disgrace. These people will approve anything that goes against GOD!!!
Communists (AKA Democrats) want to destroy this country. Did you ever go onto the “Communists for USA” website and compare their beliefs with the Democrats? It’s exactly the same....it boils down to government controlled everything and the removal of GOD from society!! I for one am fed up!!!
I know first hand about the gay agenda, we started a grassroots opposition to “that’s family” a video depicting gay parents and families to 8 year old kids, and it got pulled!! These so called “tolerant teachers”, sent us threats, compromised my bank account and gave us a very hard time....tolerance? They are only tolerant of those who agree with them.
Very soon, it will be time to take this country back....
I saw the pages and pages of legal folk,, what a bonanza..
California’s true cash cow is litigation and all those who milk it for all its worth would defend the devil if it made ‘em big bucks..
ps.. kennard and wedegar are especially disappointing.
There is a constitutional amendment in the works but it needs to be passed by 25% of the legislature one more time to be on the ballot. Not holding my breath.
Sex before 8 or its too late, don'tcha know.
As long as it’s with strict immigration policies, deal.
Don’t forget San Luis Obispo county. We may be on the coast but our county still goes red on election maps. San Luis may be liberal central but the towns throughout the county give it the conservative edge.
The IRS does not recognize gay marriages for federal tax purposes. A gay married couple from Massachuesets cannot file a “Married Joint” or “Married Seperate” federal tax return. So there will be no effect at all.
I got to get me one of those barrett rifles and that T-shirt.
Sure I do. It just shouldn't be necessary to affirm something so obvious as that marriage means one man and one woman. But that's what we've come to.
Some of their food is tainted and rotten.
%hank you, Pete Rino Wilson!
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