California Strikes Down Anti-Gay Marriage Law; What This Means for Many Couples

Thursday was a victorious day for gay couples in California as the California Supreme Court overturned a ruling from October 2006 that would allow gays to marry. In April 2005, a judge ruled in favor of gay rights against the 2000 ballot that won 61% of votes stating that marriage should be between a singular man and woman. In 2006, a mid-level court ruled against that, upsetting many gay couples who'd married once they were allowed.

However, lawyers took it to the Supreme Court and in a ruling Thursday, the 4-3 ruling struck down that ban and stated that domestic partnerships was not a good enough substitute. Several justices dissented this decision and feel it is the voters decision though they agreed with several statements of same-sex couples to raise a healthy family.

What does this mean for gays? This for one means couples in California may legally wed their partners. Not only can the state of California couples marry, they can begin to raise a family and continue normal lives. Marriage is religiously seen as a man and a woman, but gay rights advocates and liberals believe love should have no boundaries and it is unconstitutional to deny hard-working Americans the right to marry. The love between people is simply between those people and should not involve the opinions of what others think of them.

The ruling today is a big step into an ever-changing world, not just in the state of California, but across the nation. This proves the acceptance of gays is increasing and people aren't afraid of change. Though gay advocates will still have a step to overcome (religious groups can bring enough signatures in order to get the decision on November's ballot, which would then trump the court's decision), they are winning their battle in equal rights. And though this touches a more religious factor, it has happened in the past where blacks and women were allowed their rights. It will happen again, it just may take more time.