Guide Note

In a 4-3 ruling, the California Supreme Court overturned the state's same-sex marriage ban on May 15, 2008. The high court said the "right to form a family relationship" applied to all Californians, regardless of sexuality.

Fast Facts

1. First gay marriage in San Francisco: Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin
2. First gay marriage in Los Angeles: Robin Tyler, 66, and Diane Olson, 54
3. Time of first gay weddings: 5:01 on June 16, 2008
4. 2008: California's ban on same-sex marriage lifted
5. 1977: California's ban on same-sex marriage law enacted
6. 2000: California voters approved the ban - in others words saying marriage is between a man and a woman
7. Gay marriage recognized in Massachusetts - the only state in the US that does
8. The Netherlands legalized gay marriage in 2001
9. Gay/lesbian couples believe marriage is unique expression of love - they should be able to enter into it
10. Critics say marriage is a unique institution and gay marriage would undermine it

The ruling came after the court heard a case in March of 2008, asking whether gay people had a constitutional right to get married.

Prior to the May ruling, gay marriage was banned in California but a domestic partnership law gave gay/lesbian couples almost the same legal rights as people in heterosexual marriages.

"In view of the substance and significance of the fundamental constitutional right to form a family relationship. The California Constitution properly must be interpreted to guarantee this basic civil right to all Californians, whether gay or heterosexual, and to same-sex couples as well as to opposite-sex couples."— Ronald M. George, Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court

After collecting over 1 million signatures, a ballot amendment was approved for the general election on November 4, 2008. Added to the ballot will be the proposal for an amendment to the state constitution, effectively banning same-sex marriages and defining marriage as between one man and one woman. Both sides of the issue are now gearing up for an aggressive campaign over the summer.