California Gay Marriage Ban Overturned

By Becky Ogann

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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Saturday, May 17 at 11:12 PM To Amen: Double Standard? wrote ...

How come it's OK to freely say REDNECK, but we can't say the N-WORD? And why is support for law enforcement and traditional values considered HATE? And YOU consider yourself TOLERANT and OPEN-MINDED, I suppose...?

Saturday, May 17 at 1:21 PM Amen wrote ...

First the American Rednecks thought women and African Americans didn't deserve equal rights. Now "Americans" seem to hate Mexican Americans and homosexuals...hopefully everyone will have equal treatment someday. ...God loves all his children, right?

Friday, May 16 at 10:45 PM WHY STOP THERE? wrote ...

I was thinking of adopting a cat from the animal shelter. Can I claim it as a legal dependent and get a child tax deduction? If not, why not? How dare the law restrict what I can consider my child???

Friday, May 16 at 3:53 PM normal person wrote ...

I like the one comment calling Iowa conservative. What do you think our American government was originally planned around. Do some research. Conservative equals conserving the past, ie morals. This commentary is a waste of time trying to explain it though.

Friday, May 16 at 3:53 PM John wrote ...

For those that think this country wasn't founded on Christian beliefs I encourage you to study up on our founding fathers beliefs (www.wallbuilders.com) You'll find that most of the founding fathers were Christian. I see right through your manipulative liberal agenda by trying to get people to think your way. He who controls the past controls the future Homosexuality is a sin just like stealing, murder and audultry and shouldn't be commended ever.

Friday, May 16 at 1:39 PM Cindy wrote ...

Why don't they just call it "Gay Marriage" and leave the true description of "Marriage" for a man and woman. Its like mixing dirt with water and calling it water.

Friday, May 16 at 1:13 PM To Against Gay Marriage (I included correct spelling in your name) wrote ...

That's the whole point of this ban being lifted. The church has no say in what laws are created or enforced, that is why we have separation of church and state, because there is a conflict. I agree with the 10:08 am post, if you really want to have your religion enforced by your government, why not go to the Middle East, and you can see where it has gotten several of their countries. Point is, God has nothing to do with the laws that are enforced in this country and that is the way it will stay.

Friday, May 16 at 12:29 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Once again KCRG isn't putting all post up, only one that you like.

Friday, May 16 at 12:27 PM Becca wrote ...

I don't believe it should be anyone's right to make a decision on whether people can marry based on their sexual orientation or anyone else's interpretation of the bible. NO ONE has the right to tell others what they can or cannot do. It's a violation of other peoples' rights in this country as citizens and as human beings. What the government, religious, and conservative groups are doing is just plain cruel. I hope they one day stop to really think about the cruelties they impose upon others.

Friday, May 16 at 11:38 AM While we're at it wrote ...

Can we relax the laws that limit a person to only ONE spouse? I wouldn't mind have a few more wives, for example.

Friday, May 16 at 10:52 AM Anonymous wrote ...

To adam n eve: what about children in same sex marriages who are abused, molested, their parents divorce, a parent walks out. Did you think about that? I am incredibly happy for the people in California, and pray that someday Iowa would not be so conservative and will follow suit. For anyone who argues that it is a sin, please inform yourself and take a look at other 'sins' in the bible...think about it.

Friday, May 16 at 10:08 AM God Hates Self-Righteous Control Freaks wrote ...

What business is it of anybody else's when 2 consenting adults want to marry each other? If you want to use gov't to impose religious views, move to Iran. I hear the weather is nice and warm there, and they even hang people for being gay.

Friday, May 16 at 10:02 AM againest gay marriage wrote ...

Yes God loves everyone but that doesn't mean he loves the sin that they have commited. It is a sin to have relations with someone of the same sex. You have every right to believe what you want but you will have to answer for those sins at some point. I'm not saying that I won't have to answer for sins that I have committed but it's one sin that I don't have to answer for. And for those of you that will just on the ban wagon againest religion well, I hope you like hot weather.

Friday, May 16 at 9:14 AM To Anon wrote ...

All I have to say is ignorance, ignorance, ignorance, and stupidity as well. You wouldn't want the government sticking their nose in your life telling you that you can not make one of the most important decisions for the rest of your life because of your gender and the gender or trait of your partner. Shame on you for even saying that people who are different don't belong in Iowa, there's plenty of Iowans who would be proud to have anyone as a neighbor no matter what their preferences are.

Friday, May 16 at 6:33 AM cedar rapids wrote ...

love is love no matter who is involved. we need a little more love in this world anyway.

Friday, May 16 at 5:26 AM Anonymous wrote ...

HOw sad that hate is so prevalent in IA that you feel gays should not have the right to marry based on someones interpretation of the bible. Love is love, no matter who's involved. For those of you concerned about "the guays" please, find a more constructive use of your time like stamping out child abuse, hunger and the like.

Friday, May 16 at 2:22 AM Bravo wrote ...

Kudos to California, succeeding in something that Iowa is too conservative and immature to do. I hope other states follow in California's footsteps for the sake of all of those facing discrimination just because they prefer Adam and Steve over Adam and Eve. Congrats to all those in California now able to tie the knot.

Friday, May 16 at 1:00 AM MH from CR wrote ...

To D: Sure, let's call it something else. Let's call ALL civil marriage something else. It is about EQUALITY. people that say that gay marriage degrades marriage really need to get a solid definition of marriage-and when I think of marriage, I think of "to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish 'till death do us part." I know that when my partner and I are ready, that statement is all we need

Thursday, May 15 at 11:12 PM D wrote ...

If they are going to make it legal at least call it something beside MARRIAGE?

Thursday, May 15 at 10:39 PM Anon wrote ...

Well maybe Iowa can return to God ol Iowa since maybe some of you "different" people will move to Cali. By the way, it was Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve.

Thursday, May 15 at 9:25 PM Religion & Gov't Differ wrote ...

Adam N Eve, this country was partially founded based on escaping religion presecution. Therefore they seperated religion from state with our basic rights, so don't impose a religion on other peoples faith. Tommy Jeff wouldn't be proud of that at all.

Thursday, May 15 at 8:20 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I'm christian and i could care less if gays can marry. The United States was founded by secular leaders who understood the problem with religion in government. So let them practice theyre natural rights and marry if they want.

Thursday, May 15 at 8:03 PM Adam N Eve wrote ...

Doesn't surprise me. Another "sensitive" issue is passed. Whatever happend to a mom and dad when it comes to this if children are in the future. Oh, I guess thats discrimination. Lets sue and protest. Not a race card played here just a gender issue!

Thursday, May 15 at 7:42 PM Anonymous wrote ...

its about time people stop telling people who they can and cannot be with. if u love somebody that is all that matters. i know that people who read this are gonna say its a sin againist god but ya know god made gay people to so live and let live i say! and congrates to the same sex couples that have finally got to tie the knot!

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