California Supreme Court Overturns Gay Marriage Ban

The California Supreme Court ruled today in favor of overturning a ban on same-sex marriages. The Court found California laws limiting marriage to opposite-sex couples violate the constitutional rights of same-sex couples.

The ruling was authored by Chief Justice Ronald George. A snippet from the 121-page majority opinion:

"In contrast to earlier times," the opinion reads, "our state now recognizes that an individual's capacity to establish a loving and long-term committed relationship with another person and responsibly to care for and raise children does not depend upon the individual's sexual orientation." More generally, "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," it says.

"In view of the substance and significance of the fundamental right to form a family relationship," the court concluded, "the California Constitution properly must be interpreted to guarantee this basic civil right to all Californians, whether gay or heterosexual, and to same-sex couples as well as to opposite-sex couples."

Mazel tov, felicidades, best wishes and good luck to anyone out there in the Sister City ready to take the plunge. If you find yourselves in need of a Flower Grrrl, holla at a Doll --- I love a good wedding!