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On May 15, 2008, the California Supreme Court approved same-sex marriages
in the state of California. By a vote of 4 to 3, the court declared that
limiting a marriage to a union between a man and a woman violated the state
constitution.
The court’s decision was a huge victory for gays and lesbians throughout
the state. Hundreds waited outside the courthouse in Sacramento for the
announcement, which they greeted with cheers, hugs, and kisses. TV crews
interviewed joyful couples.
However, conservative opponents have vowed to fight the decision. They plan
to gather over a million signatures for a constitutional amendment in November
to overturn this decision. If California voters approve the amendment, lawyer
Gloria Allred said, “I will take this case to the US Supreme Court. Gays must be
free to marry.”
It was only 60 years ago that most states banned interracial marriages.
However, in 1967 the US Supreme Court ended those bans. Now the conflict is
about sex instead of race. At present, only two states legally recognize
same-sex marriages—Massachusetts and California. Worldwide, only five countries
legally recognize such marriages.
“California has joined the 21st century,” said Elton John. “Now Cole Porter
and I can finally get married in our favorite city, San Francisco.”
“If we normal people don't vote for the amendment,” said conservative
George Smith, “God will surely destroy this entire state.” |
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发表于 2016-7-10 09:20:57