With Every GLBT Victory, a New Challenge
After months of silence, the marriage debate is back in the spotlight.
Last month, the California Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage should be legal, a ruling the Union for Reform Judaism celebrated. Same-sex marriages could commence in California as soon as June 14, making the Golden State the second in the nation to allow such unions (Massachusetts legalized same-sex marriages in 2004).
A victory, for sure, but hold off on the merriment:
A possible November ballot initiative in the state could give Californians the power to vote on a proposed amendment to the state constitution. If passed, the amendment would overrule the court's decision and define marriage as a union solely between a man and a woman. If the amendment is defeated, however, the ruling will stand and GLBT Californians will be free to marry - celebs Ellen DeGeneres and George Takei say they're already planning weddings to their respective partners, and you can bet other Californians are doing the same. Supporters of marriage equality are already mobilizing to defeat the dangerous ballot initiative that would write discrimination into the state constitution - expect the URJ to join the fight!
And another victory: Last week, New York Governor David Paterson announced that the Empire State will recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere. While this doesn't legalize same-same marriage in the state, it means that New Yorkers who travel to California or Canada to wed would be legally recognized as a married couple under state law (Massachusetts' marriage law has a residency requirement that bars out-of-staters from marrying there).
Stay tuned for updates as the fight for marriage equality continues to intensify!