Same-sex Marriage Finally Happens in California

Photo from source, AFP

It's still a little hard to believe. And harder to believe that it will last. There is no doubt that far-right "family values" groups will fight tooth and nail to undo what has been done. We saw that happen with near-victories in Hawaii, New York and in San Francisco. The only place it has "stuck" is Massachusetts, with the caveat that only residents can marry there.

So what will follow? At least for the next few months, just lots and lots of happy couples getting married. While there is a constitutional amendment on California's fall ballot, for almost five months, the residents of the state will witness a stream of nuptials (and cash) flow through their state. When the sky doesn't fall (and hopefully, the big one doesn't shake the Earth), maybe voters won't be so ready to deny their fellow citizens a little happiness.

I don't know when people realize that civil rights issues should not be open to popular vote. But maybe the popularity will tip in California, skewering the right's biggest argument.

[Excerpt]

California ushers in gay marriage era

California began issuing same-sex marriage licenses on Monday, as a historic court ruling legalizing gay and lesbian weddings took effect.

Two lesbian couples who had been in the forefront of the battle to overturn the state's ban on same-sex marriage were the first to be issued licenses at ceremonies in Los Angeles and San Francisco. . .

Read more at: AFP