On June 6, 2008, California legalized same-sex marriage. The monumental ruling allows gay and lesbian couples to legally marry. Although few exceptions may exist, same-sex couples carry the same legal rights as heterosexual couples.
California’s 2008 decision not only legalized same-sex marriage in California but also created a ripple effect throughout U.S. legislation. Other states took note of California’s progressive strides and have followed its revolutionary path.
Throughout its history, California has been an outspoken leader in the fight for LGBT rights. Although gay and lesbian couples currently enjoy the same rights as heterosexual couples, California has had a shaky path in its fight for LGBT rights. Let’s take a look at the history of California’s gay marriage laws.
The History of California’s Gay Marriage Laws
2000
California legislature introduced Proposition 22, deeming marriage to be valid only between a woman and a man. The proposition passed with favor of 61%. Although gay marriage was not yet legal in California, it set a barrier for future LGBT-supportive laws to overcome.
2004
San Francisco takes a courageous leap in the fight for LGBT rights. Mayor Gavin Newsom permits gay marriage to be conducted within San Francisco. Within one month, 4,000 homosexual couples married. The California Supreme Court soon stepped in and invalidated these marriages.
2005
The Freedom to Marry bill, a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage, is vetoed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Governor Schwarzenegger deems it a violation of Proposition 22.
2007
The Freedom to Marry bill is reintroduced to Governor Schwarzenegger, who vetoes it again. Because he could not violate Proposition 22, the Governor stated that the California people or court system should choose how to successfully evaluate the bill.
May 2008
California officially legalizes same-sex marriage. The California Supreme court rules that Proposition 22 is in fact unconstitutional. Within the next few months, over 18,000 LGBT couples get married.
November 2008
California legislature introduces Proposition 8, banning same-sex marriage. The proposition passed with a favor of 52%. California’s LGBT community is left infuriated.
2013
California permanently legalized same-sex marriage. LGBT advocates file a lawsuit against Proposition 8. The lawsuit, Hollingsworth v. Perry climbs all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. The U.S. Supreme Court deems Proposition 8 unconstitutional due to its blatant discrimination against same-sex couples. California’s LGBT community can finally celebrate their rights without fear.
2015
In Obergefell v. Hodges, the U.S. Supreme court legalizes same-sex marriage nationwide. In addition to the legal right to marry in all 50 states, same-sex couples benefit from visa accessibility, military benefits, federal benefits, and tax exemptions.
Our Journey
Although homosexual couples hold every local, state, and federal right guaranteed by marriage, the U.S. legislature is not perfect. Specific legal diction should be perfected and fine-tuned in order to ensure the rights of same-sex couples. SB 1306, a California bill, updated the definition of marriage and other diction. In California, marriage is currently defined as “a personal relation arising out of a civil contract between two persons, to which the consent of the parties capable of making that contract is necessary.” Furthermore, California recently introduced SB 1005, replacing “husband” or “wife” with gender-neutral terms such as “spouse”.
The following are further examples of imperfect legislation that could be tailored to the needs of the LGBT community:
- Although many support same-sex couples, religious institutions can choose not to perform homosexual marriages.
- Private clubs and organizations carry the legal right to reject same-sex couples from their venues. Although certain organizations carry the legal right to reject certain individuals, most businesses are not legally allowed to discriminate.
- Although the vast majority of adoption agencies are non-discriminatory, few adoption agencies prevent same-sex couples from adopting children. Contact an LGBT Pride Legal Adoption Attorney if you are considering adoption.
Pride Legal, our California-based network of independent LGBT attorneys, has been vigorous in its fight for LGBT rights. Pride Legal was founded in 2011, two years before California permanently legalized gay marriage.
Our attorneys have abundant experience in various LGBT family law aspects, such as:
- Same-sex marriage
- Same-sex divorce
- Prenuptial agreements
- Wills
- Trusts
- Estate Planning
- Adoption
- And more
For FAQ, click here.
Contact Pride Legal
If you or a loved one is seeking a same-sex marriage, we invite you to contact us at Pride Legal for legal counseling or any further questions. To protect your rights, hire someone who understands them.
