California Marriage: Yesterday, Today, and Beyond  | CALIFORNIA MARRIAGE | Advocate.com

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California Marriage: Yesterday, Today, and Beyond
On June 17, history is made in California as hundreds of gay and lesbian couples throughout the state line up to wed. The Advocate was at the heart of the celebrations: covering the weddings, talking to politicians, and analyzing the road ahead. Keeping in mind that marriage is more than a photo-op, we continue our marriage equality coverage with exclusive interviews, insights from the community, and scenes from the front lines of the fight to beat a proposed constitutional amendment banning gay marriage in the Golden State.
An Advocate.com exclusive posted June 16, 2008
California Marriage: Yesterday, Today, and Beyond

For the most recent updates on California marriage equality, go to Vowser: Everything Marriage. A comprehensive blog filled with personal stories, photographs, and up-to-the minute reports from the front lines of the fight for marriage equality from California and across the country.

Written by the editors of Advocate.com, Vowser provides readers with the insight and analysis readers can only get from the gay and lesbian website of record.

On May 15 the California supreme court issued a groundbreaking decision regarding same-sex marriage in the state, saying that it's unconstitutional to deprive anyone -- gay or straight -- of the right to marry the person of their choice. The Advocate celebrates the victory and reflects on its implications.

State of the Unions
Searching for the perfect tux? Wondering what you need to know to tie the knot? Look no further. The Advocate has joined forces with our friends at Out to bring you a comprehensive guide to all things marriage.

Getting Hitched? Tell Us All About It
Whether you're standing in line at the county clerk or you've already booked the band, we want to know about it. Send us your wedding stories and photos at marriage@advocate.com

How to "I Do"
Now that marriage has become a possibility in California, the obvious question is: How do we do it? A practical guide to getting hitched in the Golden State.

Gay Marriage Isn't Racist
Jasmyne Cannick may not admit it, but marriage equality benefits all gays and lesbians -- not just the white ones

Jasmyne Cannick Doesn't Give a Fig About Gay Marriage
I separated myself from the marriage movement some time ago.

Lorri Jean on the Battle Ahead

Robin Tyler on All Things Marriage

It's Your Move, Says Log Cabin's Patrick Sammon

The ACLU's Matt Coles Tells Us Why Marriage Matters

It's The Economy, Stupid
California's non-partisan Legislative Analyst Office is studying the economic impact of a state ballot measure that would ban same-sex marriages. Will the findings sway voters in the fall?

San Francisco: Marriage Equality in Pictures
Take a look at the first day of marriage equality in the city where it all began.

Our Big Fat Historic Wedding License Day
The fifth time is the charm as one Advocate.com blogger and his partner prepare to get married in West Hollywood.

A Historic Wedding in San Francisco
Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin made history in 2004 as the first couple married in Gavin Newsom's month of love. Four years later, at 5:01 p.m. on June 16, history repeated itself.

Boldly Going Where No Couple Has Gone Before
 Star Trek's George Takei and his partner, Brad Altman, will be some of the first people in line in West Hollywood on Tuesday. On the night before they take the plunge they sit down with Ross von Metzke for The Advocate

A Historic Wedding in Los Angeles
Robin Tyler and Diane Olson made history when, at 5:01 p.m. June 16, they became the first same-sex couple to say "I do" in Los Angeles County.

The Wedding Planner
Mindy Weiss has planned weddings for Gwen Stefani, Eva Longoria, and Jessica Simpson. Now she's taking on the first, and probably most expensive, gay nuptials in California.

Invitation Etiquette
Invitation designer to the stars Marc Friedland gives the run down on the dos and don'ts for same sex couples when creating the announcements for that big day.

California Gay Marriages Begin Today
Gay and lesbian couples throughout California are preparing to head to the altar as the state adopts marriage equality beginning today at 5 p.m. By Sue Rochman

Friends and Foes List
 The Advocate's list of our best friends and worst enemies when it comes to preserving the right of same-sex couples to marry in California. Here's your chance to get involved!

Standing By Shannon
Shannon Minter argued in California's supreme court for my right to marry. I won't rest until he's protected in a trans-inclusive ENDA. By Jenni Olson

Justice for All
Even before the landmark May 15 ruling to lift the ban on gay marriage, the seven justices of the California supreme court have proved an unpredictable group

Going to the Chapel, Again
Meet four same-sex couples who took the plunge in San Francisco in 2004 and learn why they can't wait to walk down the aisle one more time.

The Community Reacts
The movers and shakers of the LGBT community tell The Advocate how they feel about the California supreme court's landmark decision May 15 to legalize same-sex marriage in the state.

Raising the Roof at City Hall
The California supreme court today ruled that lesbian and gay couples are entitled to the right to marry in California. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom joined gay activists and litigators for a victory celebration in the city where it all began.

Full Faith and Credit
On the eve of the California supreme court’s ruling on same-sex marriage, Teresa Morrison reflects on another decision 60 years ago by that same court, which defied popular prejudice to further marriage equality and turned the tide of the nation’s status quo.

The Marrying Man
Four years after he pushed same-sex marriage forward in the national debate, Gavin Newsom is waiting for his answer in the California supreme court. So are we.

 

1010 Cover med | Advocate.com THE MARRIAGE ISSUE
Issue 1010, July 1, 2008

Summer of Love, Winter of Struggle

Even as we celebrate our new right to marry in California, our opponents are preparing to give us the fight of our lives at the ballot box in November. Sue Rochman sizes up the situation.

 

NEWS STORIES

At Gay Weddings, Traditions Retain Strong Pull

Gay Revelers Celebrate Pride, Marriage Rights

McCain Voices Support for California Ban on Gay Marriage

Obama Calls Calif. Amendment 'Divisive and Discriminatory'

Mormon Church Enters California Gay Marriage Fight

L.A. Mayor Performs First Gay Wedding

Marriage Supporters Introduce New Argument to Stop Amendment

Gay Couples Across California Trade Weekend Vows

Marriage Opponents, Supporters Aim for Mainstream Image in California Campaign

Hundreds of Gay Couples Wed Across California

Couples Say "I Do" as Marriage Equality Becomes Legal

Radio Personality Harrison Takes on Kern County

Appeals Court Refuses to Stop Gay Weddings

Marriage Equality Begins in California

California Gay Marriages Begin Today

Chemistry.com Commemorates California Marriage Equality

California Same-Sex Weddings Will Affect Other States

Lesbian Couple of 55 Years Ready to Say "I Do"

California Prepares for Busy Week Of Same-Sex Marriages

Pew Research Center Releases New Gay Marriage Findings

Groups Advise Out-of-State Newlyweds Not to Sue

California Clerk to Refuse All Marriages
Gay Couples Cheer California High Court Ruling

California Gay Marriages on Track to Begin June 17

Poll: 63% Believe Same-Sex Marriage Is a Private Decision

Suit Aims to Stop N.Y. Recognition of Gay Marriages

Gay Marriage Ban Qualifies for California Ballot

Gay Weddings Could Boost California Economy by $370 Million

California Clerk Plans to Be First When Gay Marriages Begin

10 States Ask California Court to Delay Gay Marriage

Recognition of Gay Marriages in N.Y. Faces Battle

Evangelicals Wrestle With Gay Marriage Ruling

New York to Recognize Out-Of-State Gay Marriages

Poll: Majority of California Voters Approve of Same-Sex Marriage

Gay Mormons Urge Church to Stand Down in Marriage Fight

Marriage Equality Opponents Seek Stay of Supreme Court Decision

California Rewriting its Marriage Forms

In Massachusetts, California Ruling Is Sweet Confirmation

Leaders Discuss Marriage Ruling at L.A. Press Conference

California Supreme Court Overturns Gay Marriage Ban

Text of the Court's Opinion

Jubilation in the City of Angels

Reader Comments

These comments are reproduced as written by visitors to this Web site. They have not been edited for content, grammar, or spelling. The viewpoints appearing here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of advocate.com, The Advocate, or its affiliates.

  • Name: Eduardo Lynum
    Date posted: 2008-06-16 1:43 PM
    Hometown: Long Beach,California

    Comment:

    I am so glaad that the legalization of gays and lesbians will be legal for California. I only dream that gays and lesbians will find the love they are looking for. It is such a milestone. One day, I hope that my life will have marraige too. For days, I pray to be a husband and have a good husband love me just the same.It touches my heart to know that no one will say no to same sex marraiges in California anymore. Today, I can only hope to be united in a ceremony with a good man just as I am. To be given the chance to offer me marraige will be nice. Congradulations California!


  • Name: Micaella
    Date posted: 2008-06-14 12:47 AM
    Hometown: Livermore, CA

    Comment:

    I can't believe I get to see this historic event unfold and I believe this time it's permanent! I am a hetero female who has always believed in same sex marriage as a right and am so happy I turned professional photographer recently so I will be there, camera in hand and tell my grandchildren one day, I was there!! Micaella photographybymicaella.com


  • Name: Larry E. Arenas
    Date posted: 2008-06-09 7:03 PM
    Hometown: Mesa, AZ

    Comment:

    If the CA Supreme Court ruled it is unconstitutional to deny anyone, gay or straight, the right to marry anyone they choose, how can an initiative be put on the ballot which goes against that ruling? Wouldn't the initiative be unconstitutional at its inception and therefore not be permitted on the ballot?


  • Name: Jim Gallagher & Steven Barker
    Date posted: 2008-06-05 2:24 AM
    Hometown: El Cajon, CA

    Comment:

    And now, with the stay requests thrown out, the marriages can begin. Given the proposition that has just qualified for the November ballot and the (hopefully slim) chance it may pass, we're getting married October 12th. Thank you Gavin Newsome, for starting it all. Thank you to the couples who filed suit. And thanks to the organizations who fought on our behalf. Thanks, also, to the members of the CA Supreme Court for taking an objective look at the nature of Proposition 22 and at the way marriage laws had been written in California. Your honesty, integrity and, most importantly, your courage are appreciated and admired in more ways than we can express.


  • Name: RG
    Date posted: 2008-06-03 2:56 PM
    Hometown: Studio City, CA

    Comment:

    Same-sex marriages performed in California will probably NOT be recognized in most states, which exclusively define marriage as between a man and women, or have outlawed same-sex marriage.-------------------------------------The federal government also will NOT recognize SS marriage, due to the Defense of Marriage Act.-------------------California, Massachusetts, and New York will recognize SS marriages performed in other states.


  • Name: RG
    Date posted: 2008-06-03 2:49 PM
    Hometown: Studio City, CA

    Comment:

    RE: Can an out of state gay couple come to CA and get married? YES. There is no residency requirement to marry in California, so any couple, including those from other states can marry here. --------------------------------------------------- Timeframe: County Clerks will begin marrying same-sex couples JUNE 17, barring any last minute stay by the CA Supreme Court, which is unlikely. Hope that clears things up


  • Name: Bill & Kent
    Date posted: 2008-05-20 4:46 PM
    Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan

    Comment:

    ADVOCATE EDITOR, Please answer in print for all of us! Can an out of state gay couple come to CA and get married? Time frame please, in about a month? What needs to be done? From application to marrage? Keeping vacation time frames in mind, can you pre-regester? Do you need blood tests, etc? Should you do it before the November elections for safity?


  • Name: Miche Rutledge
    Date posted: 2008-05-18 8:46 PM
    Hometown: San Francisco, CA

    Comment:

    Isn't The Advocate a national publication? Why the L.A.-centric coverage of the gay marriage celebrations on your website? Don't misunderstand. I was thrilled to read about L.A.'s celebrations - it didn't get covered elsewhere nearly enough. We don't mind sharing the love with L.A. or anywhere else in California, but why so obviously ignore San Francisco's celebration in your coverage? After all, San Franciscans paid for the city to fight in court and win. Surely we earned a little Advocate love.


  • Name: Tricia
    Date posted: 2008-05-16 12:09 PM
    Hometown: Sacramento

    Comment:

    I'm so thrilled! We will be marrying within the year. Does anyone have advice on a gay friendly place in Napa or Sonoma to marry?? This is WONDERFUL!!


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