UP Ibalon Bicol: Same-sex marriage proponents lose bid to keep gay union legal in California

Same-sex marriage proponents lose bid to keep gay union legal in California

5/27/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

The California Supreme Court ruled against gay marriage by upholding Proposition 8, the initiative against same-sex union which won during the November 8, 2008 election. In spite of efforts by gay activists to make same-sex marriage legal, the court decided in favor of what the majority of Californians wanted---that marriage must be between a man and a woman.

In a 6-1 decision, the court banned gay marriage in California on Tuesday, May 26, 2009, but ruled that the 18,000 marriages forged before the prohibition, are retained as legal. The court decided that the change in ruling must not be retroactive; dissolution of homosexual unions contracted in the Golden State in the five months that they were legal could be disruptive.

“The court said that while the ban denies gay couples use of the term "marriage," it does not fundamentally disturb their basic right to "establish an officially recognized and protected family relationship with the person of one's choice and to raise children within the family." California still allows gay couples to form domestic partnerships.”----The Huffington Post (05/26/09,)

Gay activists, homosexuals, lesbians, and their supporters were furious. Setting demonstrations which blocked the streets in front of the courthouse, they accused the court of not protecting a minority. On the other hand, anti-gay marriage advocates were ecstatic that the court respected the right of voters to define marriage as they knew it.

This tug-of-war on the acceptance of same-sex marriage isn’t over. The long drawn debate on legalizing unions of the same gender has touched issues on equality and tolerance. It also threatens the religious faith of many Californians that forbids gay unions.

Experts say gay advocates can still appeal to the federal court for equal protection under the US constitution. Iowa, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut are states that so far recognize same-sex marriage. (Photo Credit: ACME-Nollmeyer) =0=

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Labels: California, gay marriage, homosexuality, legal case, lesbian, marriage, Proposition 8, same-sex marriage, Supreme Court, Totie Mesia, tradition

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Same-sex marriage proponents lose bid to keep gay union legal in California

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