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California Gay Marriage Ban Overturned

By Becky Ogann

Story Created: May 15, 2008 at 5:53 PM CST

Story Updated: May 15, 2008 at 5:53 PM CST

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Gay rights activists are hailing Thursday's high court decision in California overturning a voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage.

The 4-3 ruling clears the way for same-sex couples to tie the knot in California.

Soon after the decision was announced, one of the plaintiffs in the case phoned her longtime partner to ask, "Will you marry me?

She says the ruling sends a message of "human dignity" and freedom. In the center of San Francisco's gay community, people wept with joy as they watched the news on television.

Meanwhile, religious and social conservative groups are trying to put a measure on the November ballot that would enshrine laws banning gay marriage in the state constitution.

The conservative Alliance Defense Fund says it plans to ask the state justices for a stay of Thursday's decision until after the fall election.

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