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California Debates Same Sex Marriage

The California Supreme Court heard more than three hours of debates earlier this week on whether to legalise gay marriage in the state.

Currently Massachusetts is the only state in the US to have gone for the legislation, with nine other states - including California - recognising civil or domestic partnerships.

During the debates, justices questioned lawyers about the constitutionality of the controversial Proposition 22 amendment to the civil code which states that "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognised in California."

The San Francisco City Attorney's office argued that marriage rights should be available to same-sex couples, as the amendment violates citizens' constitutional rights.

The city's chief deputy city attorney Therese Stewart said denying same-sex couples marriage rights would paint California as "indifferent" to how gays are treated both inside and outside the state.

""People know what marriage means. It conveys a great deal...If the state says this is a marriage, it would be sending a message that California considers its gay and lesbian couples equal," she added.

In 2004, several hundred gay couples were married at the city hall after San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom began allowing same-sex marriages, but the procedures were subsequently invalidated.

The case has now made its way to the state Supreme Court.

California Deputy Attorney General Christopher Krueger said "there is a rational basis for the state to adhere to the common and traditional definition of marriage," adding that registered same-sex couples are provided with "all the rights and benefits associated with marriage."

A decision in the case is expected in the next 90 days.

Author: Joanne Oatts

GaydarNation