California’s Historic Marriage Case
A Victory for Marriage
Same-gender Couples Win Freedom to Marry
The California Supreme Court on May 15 ruled that all Californians have the freedom to marry. The landmark decision ends the state ban on marriage for same-gender couples. Same-gender couples will be able to marry as early as June 16.
- What Do I Need To Know About Getting Married In California? FAQ
- Read the Supreme Court's decision.
- Read the press release
- Photos from the first two days of weddings from Bilerico Project
All photos are free for download and use. Photos courtesy of Storm Bear (The Bilerico Project), Cynthia Laird (Bay Area Reporter), freelance journalist Rex Wocker, Mona DeCrinis (Palm Springs Bottom Line), Denise Penn (Lesbian News), Fred Palmer (Outward Magazine), and Karen Ocamb (IN LA Magazine).
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger released the following statement on May 15 regarding the state Supreme Court’s ruling on same-sex marriage:
“I respect the Court’s decision and as Governor, I will uphold its ruling. Also, as I have said in the past, I will not support an amendment to the constitution that would overturn this state Supreme Court ruling.”
The Legal Team
Fifteen same-gender couples, Equality California, and Our Family Coalition are represented in the marriage case by lead counsel from the National Center for Lesbian Rights, along with Lambda Legal, the American Civil Liberties Union, Heller Ehrman LLP and the Law Office of David C. Codell.
Case History: Same-Gender Couples Marry in San Francisco
In early 2004, the City of San Francisco began issuing marriage certificates to gay and lesbian couples at City Hall. The historic move, prompted by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, drew thousands of committed couples from across the state, and nation, who wanted to validate their relationships. More than 4,000 couples married in San Francisco that winter.
In March of that year, the California Supreme Court invalidated the marriage licenses of each couple married in San Francisco. Almost immediately, a lawsuit was filed, challenging the state law that excludes same-gender couples from marriage.
Marriage Case Resources
Oral Arguments Resources
Marriage Case Press Releases
Marriage Articles
- Sense of Calm as Gay Couples Wed in California
New York Times | June 18, 2008
- Eager couples flock to county clerks' offices
San Francisco Chronicle | June 18, 2008
- Gay marriages begin with a day of hope and hoopla
Los Angeles Times | June 18, 2008
- Hundreds of gay couples tie knot as Supreme Court ruling takes effect
Sacramento Bee | June 18, 2008
- Marcos Bretón: I once would have opposed gay marriage, but times have changed
Sacramento Bee | June 18, 2008
- County's gay marriages go off without a hitch
San Diego Union-Tribune | June 17, 2008
- Snapshots of marriage events in California
San Jose Mercury News | June 17, 2008
- Vignettes from California's same - sex weddings
The New York Times| June 17, 2008
- Hundreds of gay couples enjoy 'dream come true' in Calif.
USA Today | June 17, 2008
- From Gay Marriage's Ground Zero
Time Magazine | June 17, 2008
- Hundreds of same-sex couples wed across California
Associated Press | June 18, 2008
- Couple of 55 years tie the knot - again
San Francisco Chronicle | June 17, 2008
- The right to love
Los Angeles Times Editorial | June 17, 2008
- Wedding bells ring for local gay couples
By James Burger And Tara Mclaughlin
Bakersfield Californian | June 17, 2008
- Same-sex couples officially tie the knot
The Orange County Register | June 17, 2008
- Gay marriage reaction? It's all over the map
Los Angeles Times | June 17, 2008
- Opponents of gay marriage stay mostly quiet -- for now
By Cara Mia DiMassa and Jessica Garrison
Los Angeles Times | June 18, 2008
- Appeals court, judge refuse to stop gay weddings
Associated Press | June 17, 2008
Marriage Case Press Articles
Oral Arguments Press Articles
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