California Supreme Court Overturns Gay Marriage Ban

Well, just in time for the 2008 election cycle, gay marriage will be a prime issue once again. 

The California Supreme Court ruled today 4-3 to overturn a 2000 law passed by voter referendum that prohibited gay marriage. A petition drive to put a gay marriage ban in the state's Constitution was under way before this ruling, and this ruling will likely add fuel to that particular fire, as the constitutional amendment would have the effect of overturning the court's ruling.

I have to admit I have mixed feelings about this. The California Legislature has twice passed bills allowing gay marriage, only to have Gov. Schwarzenegger veto them. I really want to see some state, somewhere, authorize gay marriage via a legislative avenue, and I was hoping to see California become the first. Until gay marriage is authorized legislatively, the religious right can continue to bring up the boogey man of "activist judges." 

Gov. Schwarzenegger has indicated he will not support the constitutional amendment petition drive that would overturn the courts ruling.