WomenCo.

California’s Supreme Court declared yesterday (Thursday) that gay couples in the nation’s biggest state can marry.

“In contrast to earlier times, our state now recognizes that an individual’s capacity to establish a loving and long-term relationship with another person and responsibly to care for and raise children does not depend upon the individual’s sexual orientation.” Chief Justice Ronald George for the majority.

vs.

"Outrage...It will be up to the people of California to preserve traditional marriage by passing a constitutional amendment. Only then can they protect themselves from this..." James Dobson chairman of the Christian Group, 'Focus on the Family'."        

I think the court’s decision reflects and represents a new community view that all individuals, withstanding different belief systems, need to feel embraced and protected by our civil rights.

What do you think?

As our constitution states: "persons have equal rights under the law". It does not differentiate what kind of person you are.  

I had somebody argue with me recently that it means that anyone can say: "hey buddy, let’s get married and save on our insurance" - I just don't know too many straight guys that will marry their "buddy" to save on insurance!

AnnEvanston says ...I had somebody argue with me recently that it means that anyone can say: "hey buddy, let’s get married and save on our insurance" - I just don't know too many straight guys that will marry their "buddy" to save on insurance!

Fantastically laughing so well I have to catch my breath....I have yet to experience or see the above insurance deal!

The 3 candidates running in the primary election all oppose same sex marriage…

Great point LilaK.      

Thank you for the clarity LilaK. KJ_sb

This is the second time that same-sex marriage has been legalized in California.  And yet again, there is already a motion in effect overturning it.  As a same-sex couple in California, you can register as a "Civil Union" which enables you to be put on your partner's insurance, in their will, and other legal items as this, but the legalities are somewhat confusing.  I guess I don't understand what is so wrong with two people being able to spend money on a wedding (boosting our poor economy), invest together, live together, and have it all legal?  I guess I am of the mind set that if two people love each other and are willing to make the committment to stay together legally, why should they be stopped?  It's not like they are asking to have hot sweaty sex on your front lawn under a burning cross.  They are only trying to protect themselves legally as any straight couple is given the right to do automatically.

I have been keeping an eye on the conversations surrounding this topic, both in the GLBT community and in the straight community, and I will have to say that it reminds me a bit of the conversations around women being able to vote and own land, blacks having civil rights, and I'm thinking, hmm...does anyone else see it?

I have been with my partner for 5 years.  Mommy Moe is the only other parent that my youngest has ever known.  I have very abusive parents, and my daughter's paternal grandparents have not had any contact with her since she was 4 months old.  What happens if I were to die and my parents, being the conservative couple they are decide to fight for custody of her?  Because my partner cannot legally adopt my daughter without me relinquishing my parental rights, she would probably lose my daughter to my parents, and my daughter who has known love and support from her "other mommy" will go to a household that does not know love.  All of this could be rectified if they would legalize gay marriage. 

This is not about "going to the chapel" and exchanging vows.  This is about making legal a way of life that most couples take for granted.

I am so much in support of marriage for anyone....:-)  If you are in love, committed and want to bring your relationship to a higher level....I am all for it for any couple.  :-)