US News
California Supreme Court overturns gay marriage ban
May 15, 2008, 18:04 GMT
San Francisco - In a landmark decision the California Supreme Court on Thursday overturned a state ban on gay marriage, making same-sex unions legal in the most populous state in the US.
The 4-3 decision is likely to thrust gay marriage back into the political spotlight and potentially make it an important issue in the November general election.
The ruling found that domestic partnerships were not an adequate alternative to marriage.
'Under these circumstances, we cannot find that retention of the traditional definition of marriage constitutes a compelling state interest,' the court said in an opinion written by Chief Justice Ron George. 'Accordingly, we conclude that to the extent the current California statutory provisions limit marriage to opposite-sex couples, these statutes are unconstitutional.'
In a huge victory for gays and lesbians, the court said a gay marriage ban would violate current recognition 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.'
The court's decision could be overturned in November, when Californians are likely to vote on a state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages. If voters approve the measure it will supersede Thursday's decision.
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Older Talkback
page: 1
So edwards can marry obama in Cali...
so, shut up and take it like a good altar boy. If it is good enough for Roman Catholic priests, then it's good enough for you.
I totally believe there should at least be a so-called contract between people of the same sex to give them rights as partners to allow them such things as medical decision making, etc. If they want to call it a marriage, so be it.
Same-sex marriage is an idea for idiots.
These people don't need to be 'marrying' each other; they need reprogramming.
Message to all so-called gay people: Your behavior is repugnant and just plain wrong. You should refrain from it.
Seek medical and/or spiritual assistance in this matter immediately.
The hatred spewing from some of you is truly pitiful. How un-evolved, arrogant, and downright stupid you are to think that you have the right to chose another person's lifemate. It's none of your business who somebody loves, and it's not your right to tell them that they can't have legal protection like other couples. It's frightening how many dark ages bigots are actually in this country. You actually base your hatred on a bunch of writings somebody found in the past, and decided to tell people to worship even though they couldn't translate them properly. And then they were re-written by a group of Scott's. It's not the word of God, it's the word of old-fashioned men. Only the 10 commandments are the word of God. So butt out of other people's lives please. It's just not your business.
page: 1
soMay 15th, 2008 - 18:15:59
4 people in a state , with the population of 36.5 million--larger than some countries--have taken it upon themselves to rewrite the law of God--
think the recent fires were hot--Hell will be much worse for these
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