Today the California Supreme Court ruled that homosexuals have as much right to marry as heterosexuals. Strangely, despite the fears of marriage "protectionists," my parents' holy union has not been assaulted, and my relationship with my girlfriend is as meaningful as ever.
Though it overruled an existing voter-passed initiative (not the most savory of propositions) the court made the right call here, as the state constitution as well as the U.S. Constitution contains an "equal protection" clause. All citizens should be equal in the eyes of the law.
Marriage, as far as the government is concerned, is a legally binding contract between two consenting adults of sound mind. To me, that means the government has no business denying that legal right to people on the sole ground of their sexual orientation. So good call, state Supreme Court.
Note that this decision doesn't mean private persons and organizations — protected in their beliefs by the First Amendment — have to follow suit. Houses of worship, or any group or indivudual for that matter, are as free as ever to condemn and shun same-sex unions.
Thankfully, the California government no longer has that option.
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Thanks Jon for the well spoken words. It's important for folks to understand that no rights were "given" to gays with this ruling.
What the ruling assured is that "equal rights" can not be denied those who wish to marry - just because they happend to be of the same sex.
It is my opinion that this issue should never have ever gone to the voters. Some would not understand such a stance - but think about this: What if the consensus of voters indicated that anyone over 65 could no longer drive (regardless of their ability to drive) or that a minority could not own property with our state. Or perhaps they would try to pass legislation that only native born Californians could attend California Universities. The Courts would never allow such a vote to go into law.
You're also right, in that Church's and other groups can always and should always have the right to sanctify any marriage - that just not something that government has any business doing. Separate can never be equal.
- Jack
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