Today, in a 4-3 decision, the California Supreme Court ruled that the state may no longer exclude same-sex couples from civil marriage. Today, California became the second state to legalize marriage for lesbian and gay couples.
The challenge to the marriage ban was filed in March, 2004 by the ACLU, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Lambda Legal, Heller Erhman LLP, and the Law Office of David C. Codell. The case was brought on behalf of twelve same-sex couples and challenged the constitutionality of denying same-sex couples the dignity, benefits, and protections of marriage.
In today’s decision, the Court upheld the ideals of fairness and opportunity in our California Constitution. This is a historic and landmark day for the LGBT community, California, and our nation, and we applaud the California Supreme Court for ruling in favor of love, fairness, and opportunity.
For more information, please read the press release below.
Update
May 22, 2008
Anti-gay groups today filed a Petition for Rehearing in the California Supreme Court asking the Court to stay its historic ruling on May 15 striking down laws that had prohibited lesbian and gay couples from marrying, based on the possibility that voters may enact an anti-marriage amendment to the California Constitution in November.
We believe this Petition will be denied and there will be no stay ordered by the Court. However, simply as a matter of routine process, it is possible the court may grant a 30 day extension to consider the petition, which possibly may temporarily delay the date on which couples can begin marrying. We will keep you advised.
Press Release-5-15-2008
CA Supreme Court Marriage Ruling Press Release.pdf
