The state of California is among many in the United States working to provide legal rights for same-sex couples who wish to marry. In May of 2008, the California Supreme Court granted same-sex couples the right to marry, which took effect in June of that same year; in November of 2008, however, Proposition 8 passed to again prevent same-sex marriage in the state. Proposition 8 was challenged in 2009, but the California Supreme Court upheld the decision to ban same-sex marriage. In 2010, a federal district judge ruled that Proposition 8 was unconstitutional, and in 2012, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the decision.
Following opposition from proponents of Proposition 8 and a refusal of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to rehear the case, the battle over same-sex marriage will continue to the United States Supreme Court. If the decision to allow same-sex marriage is upheld, enforcement allowing same-sex marriage should go into effect in 2013.
For more information about the legal rights of same-sex couples and what changes may take place following the United States Supreme Court’s decision, visit a qualified family law practitioner in California.
