Sam Spade's San Francisco

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 will have the opportunity to legally marry beginning as soon as June 16.

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

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 Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed both measures.

Following the Supreme Court decision on May 15, Governor Schwarzenegger said firmly that he will uphold and enforce the Court's decision and oppose the 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

California Law

Beginning as early as June 17, same-gender couples will have the opportunity to marry. In California, clergy members, active and retired judges and court commissioners and the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners of Civil Marriages are authorized to perform legal marriages.

Commissioners perform marriage ceremonies by appointment at designated county offices. There is a fee, which is generally less than $50. Call ahead or visit the county website for more information.

California Marriage Case

EQCA was a plaintiff in the historic California marriage case decided by the California Supreme Court on May 15, 2008. The court ruled that a ban on marriage for same-gender couples is unconstitutional. More info>>

Resources

• Equality for All (campaign to defeat the constitutional amendment)
• EQCA - Equality California (the source of this material)
  
• Let California Ring (campaign to open hearts and minds about the freedom to marry)
• California Marriage Case
  
• National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR)
• Lambda Legal
• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
• Our Family Coalition
• Freedom to Marry
• Human Rights Campaign
• Marriage Equality USA
• National Gay & Lesbian Task Force
  

Equality for All is the lead agency in the battle to defeat Prop 8. If you would like to help stop the homophobic anti-marriage ballot measure, click here to go to Equality for All.

For information on getting married in California and special links for people in San Francisco, please go to: California's Marriage Equality Supreme Court Case: Links, Facts & Resources.
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