LAKE COUNTY — California Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage Thursday, and reaction was immediate in Lake County on both sides of the table regarding the historic ruling.
“I”m old-fashioned. I believe marriage is between a man and a woman. I think other arrangements could be made ? but not marriage,” Patty Patten said, a Lakeport resident.
Harold Riley, who calls himself the Rainbow Reporter, will discuss the ruling on his Lake County Community Radio show Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., and wants to hear from both sides.
“It”s a victory for gay people throughout California. It”s a victory for civil rights. It”s a very important time, approximating the slaves being freed. I”m very excited. I”m hoping this will be the beginning of the end of discrimination against gay people in all forms,” Riley said, a Lake County resident in a 34-year relationship with his partner. The pair are recent domestic partners and hope to soon be newly-weds once the ruling goes into effect in 30 days.
Current law in California allows domestic partnership between gay couples. But numerous gay couples argue marriage is needed because it ensures 300 rights currently held only by heterosexual married couples.
California and Massachusetts Supreme Courts are the only in the nation to allow gay marriage. Twenty-six other states have laws restricting such unions.
In a statement after the ruling, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger ? who has twice vetoed legislation the would have legalized gay marriage ? said, “I respect the court”s decision and as governor, I will uphold its ruling.”
But hurdles remain for the gay community. Groups opposed to the ruling plan to try to get it on the November ballot for voters to decide.
After San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom gave same-sex marriage the go-ahead at San Francisco City Hall in 2004, the Supreme Court ruled the marriages weren”t legal under current law.
Then, a lawsuit was filed by gay marriage supporters who said it was unconstitutional to deny gay marriage ? that was quickly appealed by those opposing same-sex marriage.
The court determined it was constitutional to deny gay marriage.
After much talking and argument, the California Supreme Court made the decision Thursday, 4-3, with Chief Justice Ron George making the majority ruling.
The Secretary of State”s office is expected to determine next month whether enough signatures have been collected by groups opposed to the ruling to get an amendment restricting same-sex marriage on the November ballot. If passed, it would overturn the court”s decision.
Lake County chapter leader of Marriage Equality USA Laurie Billig, says the group has more than 100 supporters in the county. She and partner Sarah of five years plan to get married in 2009. They have three foster children and hope to have a child. They are not domestic partners.
“The problem with domestic partnership is you can register with the Secretary of State and get benefits, but if you have an employer who decides not to recognize it, they by law don”t have to,” Billig said.
Contact Elizabeth Wilson at ewilson@record-bee.com
