California
assembly passes same-sex marriage

The California state assembly voted Tuesday to allow same-sex couples to marry, challenging Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has said he will veto the bill if it passes the full legislature.

Legislators approved the measure on a party-line vote of 42-34, with the majority saying lawmakers should not wait for the state supreme court to act on the issue.

A debate about California's "one man, one woman" marriage law of 1977 is likely to be decided this year or early next year by the high court.

The bill now goes to the senate, which adopted a similar measure in 2005. Schwarzenegger vetoed it.

California in 2003 recognized domestic partners, creating a registry that affords same-sex couples many of the rights given to married couples.

Massachusetts is the only state that allows same-sex couples to marry. Several states have or plan to enact laws allowing either civil unions or domestic partnerships. (AP)