BlueBloggin

Its’ about freaking time that gay couples are allowed to marry. It’s unfortunate that religious groups and activist groups plan on fighting the decision. And of course John Cornyn (R.Texas) believes that there needs to be a national ban on gay marriages.

First a word from the out of touch:

WASHINGTON – Thursday’s California court ruling striking down that state’s ban on gay marriage will spark a fresh push to add a nationwide ban to the U.S. Constitution, Texas Sen. John Cornyn said shortly after the ruling was announced.

“It’s certainly surprising. Many of us thought that the efforts to overturn the tradition marriage laws would be confined just to Massachusetts,” said Mr. Cornyn, a chief backer of a push to enact a constitutional ban, which failed in 2004.

John McCain opposes gay marriage, said the Arizona senator “doesn’t believe judges should be making these decisions.”

As usual McCain is wrong, the Judges were asked to review a Constitutional violation, which is their job. As for John Cornyn he’ll probable be hitting the dusty trail after the November elections.

Now, for the evolved:

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — California’s Supreme Court declared gay couples in the nation’s biggest state can marry - a monumental but perhaps short-lived victory for the gay rights movement Thursday that was greeted with tears, hugs, kisses and at least one instant proposal of matrimony.

Same-sex couples could tie the knot in as little as a month. But the window could close soon after - religious and social conservatives are pressing to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot in November that would undo the Supreme Court ruling and ban gay marriage.

“Essentially, this boils down to love. We love each other. We now have equal rights under the law,” declared a jubilant Robin Tyler, a plaintiff in the case along with her partner. She added: “We’re going to get married. No Tupperware, please.”

A crowd of people raised their fists in triumph inside City Hall, and people wrapped themselves in the rainbow-colored gay-pride flag outside the courthouse. In the Castro, the historic center of the gay community in San Francisco, Tim Oviatt wept as he watched the news on TV.

“I’ve been waiting for this all my life. This is a life-affirming moment,” he said.

By the afternoon, gay and lesbian couples had already started lining up at San Francisco City Hall to make appointments to get marriage licenses.

• In its 4-3 ruling, the Republican-dominated high court struck down state laws against same-sex marriage and said domestic partnerships that provide many of the rights and benefits of matrimony are not enough.

• Opponents of gay marriage could also ask the high court to reconsider. If the court rejects such a request, same-sex couples could start getting married in 30 days, the time it typically takes for the justices’ opinions to become final.

• The justices said they would direct state officials “to take all actions necessary to effectuate our ruling,” including requiring county marriage clerks to carry out their duties “in a manner consistent with the decision of this court.”

Posted by nytexan May 15th, 2008 | Category: California, GLBT, Marriage, gay | Subscribe to comments | Leave a comment | Trackback URL