NEWS, ACTIONS, AND EVENTS

June 4, 2008: California Supreme Court Denies Rehearing and Stay in Marriage Cases (.pdf)

June, 2008: Center Advocary Project: Marriage Basics (.pdf)

June, 2008: Center Advocacy Project: How Can I Help Fight the Marriage Amendment? (.pdf)

Message from Rodger De'Andréas-Wahl June 5, 2008
Director, LGBTQ Pride Center
Associated Students, Inc.

I’ve gotten several questions about what yesterday’s California Supreme Court decision means. I know that it can all be a bit confusing, so let me try to break it down:

On May 15, 2008 the California Supreme Court ruled that barring same-sex couples from marriage is unconstitutional. This court decision cannot be appealed.

However, the opponents to same-sex marriage are fighting back. On June 2, 2008 the Secretary of State certified the anti-marriage amendment for the November ballot. This proposed amendment would change the California constitution to exclude same-sex marriages and would, essentially, “override” the CA Supreme Court decision such that only marriages "between a man and a woman" would be recognized.

In the meantime, our opponents asked the CA Supreme Court to delay issuing same-sex marriage licenses until after November anti-marriage amendment has gone to CA voters. On June 4, 2008 the CA Supreme Court denied the request for a stay and re-hearing of the marriage decision, meaning that same-sex couples can begin applying for marriage licenses on June 17, 2008.

In the event the constitutional ban on same-sex marriages were to pass in November, same-sex couples would no longer be able to apply for marriage licenses or get legally married in California. However, it is my current understanding that those marriages which occurred between June and November would still be recognized as legal marriages.

It’s also important to keep in mind that, under current federal law, the federal government does not recognize marriages of same-sex couples. This means that married same-sex couples currently do not have any of the rights, benefits, or protections that federal law gives to married heterosexual couples, such as the ability to file joint federal income taxes or receive federal spousal benefits through social security or other federal programs.

Bottom line: Same-sex couples can apply for marriage licenses in California beginning June 17, 2008. Once the final arrangements are made, directions for how to apply in San Diego County will be posted at
http://arcc.co.san-diego.ca.us.

One good source for additional information and updates regarding the ongoing fight for marriage equality is: http://www.centeradvocacy.org/marriage_overview.html

Best, Rodger