Gay Marriage in CA: The Issue

On May 15, the California Supreme Court ruled that the right to marry extends to all couples. The landmark decision gives same-gender couples the freedom to marry in California. Couples have the opportunity to legally marry beginning June 16. Equality California was a proud plaintiff in the historic marriage case heard by the Court in 2008.

• Learn more about the marriage case
• Frequently asked questions about getting married

During the past 10 years, EQCA has worked with the Legislature and the courts to ensure that all loving and committed couples have the right to marry in California. In 2005, the California Legislature made history as the first in the nation to pass a bill that would have given same-gender couples the freedom to marry. The Legislature passed an identical bill again in 2007, but Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed both measures.

Following the Supreme Court decision on May 15, Gov. Schwarzenegger said he would uphold the Court's decision and oppose a proposed ballot initiative that would take away the right of same-gender couples to marry by writing discrimination into the California Constitution.

• Frequently asked questions about getting married

Workplace equality. Parenting rights. Healthcare funding. Relationship recognition. Safety from bias-motivated violence. These are among the many issues that affect the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in the United States. And the federal government has the power to make changes in all these areas. For the better — or for the worse.

The Human Rights Campaign works with the U.S. government to ensure that GLBT issues receive the attention and respect they deserve, in Congress and in the courts. Whether it’s monitoring the records of judicial nominees on GLBT equality or lobbying for the passage of fair-minded legislation, HRC is taking action on GLBT issues every day.

Federal Legislation

Courts