On May 15, 2008, the California Supreme Court overturned a state law that limited marriage to only opposite-sex couples.  The majority opinion, written by Chief Justice Ronald George, stated:

In light of the fundamental nature of the substantive rights embodied in the right to marry – and their central important to an individual’s opportunity to live a happy, meaningful, and satisfying life as a full member of society – the California Constitution properly must be interpreted to guarantee this basic civil right to all Californians, whether gay or heterosexual, and to same-sex couples as well as opposite-sex couples.

The historic decision will take effect in 30 days.  The Court’s ruling can only be overturned by an amendment to the California Constitution.  Opponents of same-sex marriage have already submitted an amendment for November’s ballot.

Read more at the following sites:

State’s Top Court Strikes Down Marriage Ban – San Francisco Chronicle

Same-Sex Marriage Ruling Adds a Volatile New Issue to the Presidential Race – Los Angeles Times

Read the Supreme Court opinion here.