Same-Sex Marriages Legal in California, Again

Written by Claudia Cruz

In a split 5-4 decision, U.S. Supreme Court's announced Wednesday that the supporters of Proposition 8 didn't have standing, that is the right to sue, therefore making same-sex marriage legal in California once again. 

The court sent the case back to a lower court, which did find Proposition 8 unconstitutional, according to NBC Bay Area. This reinstates a 2012 decision in which the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals invalidated Prop. 8 on grounds that would apply only to California.

"After years of struggle, the U.S. Supreme Court today has made same-sex marriage a reality in California. In light of the decision, I have directed the California Department of Public Health to advise the state’s counties that they must begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples in California as soon as the Ninth Circuit confirms the stay is lifted,” said Governor Jerry Brown.

In addition to the decision on Prop. 8, the court ruled on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) finding portions of it unconstitutional under the Fifth Amendent, depriving a class of persons from their equal liberty. The decision gives federal protection to marriages in states that have legalized same-sex marriage.

"It’s nice to have the state and the country recognize something that occurred many years ago in our heart and in Canada," said Mountain View-resident Shannon Casey. "Well, I think that now the Canadian marriage will be recognized."

Casey has been with her wife, Anne, for 16 years and they married in 2003. The couple has two children ages nine and 12.

"It means a lot to have the legal protection and that my kids when they go to school, they will have two parents who’ve loved them for 16 years," Casey said. "I think it will go far to decrease bias in schools and in the community."

Mountain View Assemblyman Rich Gordon, who chairs the Legislative Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Caucus, released a statement that reflects on his thoughts as a gay man.

"In 2008, I had the privilege of marrying my partner of 26 years. This was one of the greatest days of my life, as we were finally able to stand together and say, in front of our friends, family and loved ones, ‘We are a family,'" Gordon said. "This is an experience that many loving couples have been unjustly denied until now."

But Gordon cautions that the work does end with these decisions. 

"While this is a day for celebration, we must also remember that our work is not yet done," he said noting that only 13 states and the District of Columbia have passed same-sex marriage. 

"With momentum on our side, we will not rest until every American can exercise their right to marry who they love.”

A rally sponsored by the Marriage Equality USA will take place at the Mountain View Caltrain Station at 6 p.m.