CA Supreme Court Recognizes Same-Sex Couples have Equal Right to Marry

FRISCO, TX – The Triangle Foundation today applauded the California Supreme Court’s decision to extend the same legal rights relating to marriage to same-sex couples. The decision is a further step towards equality for all Americans, and recognizes that same-sex couples are no longer regarded as second class citizens – at least in the State of California.

The court’s decision, written by Chief Justice George, states (in part):

Accordingly, in light of the conclusions we reach concerning the constitutional questions brought to us for resolution, we determine that the language of section 300 limiting the designation of marriage to a union “between a man and a woman” is unconstitutional and must be stricken from the statute, and that the remaining statutory language must be understood as making the designation of marriage available both to opposite-sex and same-sex couples. In addition, because the limitation of marriage to opposite-sex couples imposed by section 308.5 can have no constitutionally permissible effect in light of the constitutional conclusions set forth in this opinion, that provision cannot stand (p. 120).

In a concurring opinion issues by Justice Kennard, it states:

Here, this court holds that under the state Constitution’s equal protection guarantee, same-sex couples have a right to marry, and that state officials should take all necessary and appropriate steps so that local officials may begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

The Triangle Foundation congratulates our Californian brothers and sisters on this victory, and looks forward to further application of justice and equality for all through the county in the years to come.

About the Triangle Foundation: Established in 2003 (as the Collin Equality Foundation) the Triangle Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Frisco, TX that undertakes research and provides education on equality issues that affect gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender individuals within the North Texas region. Please visit our website at www.trianglefdn.org for more information.