History of Gay Marriage in California
The history of gay marriage in California is a complex and evolving narrative that has seen significant legal, political, and social developments over several decades. Here is a detailed timeline of key events:
- 1970s-1990s: During this period, several local municipalities in California, including Berkeley and San Francisco, begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. These marriages were not legally recognized by the state.
- March 7, 2000: Proposition 22, also known as the California Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), is approved by voters in a statewide ballot initiative. This proposition defines marriage as between one man and one woman, effectively prohibiting same-sex marriage in California.
- 2004: The city of San Francisco makes headlines when Mayor Gavin Newsom authorizes the issuance of marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Thousands of couples rush to City Hall to wed in what becomes known as the "Winter of Love." However, the California Supreme Court later invalidates these marriages.
- May 15, 2008: In a historic ruling, the California Supreme Court strikes down Proposition 22, declaring that banning same-sex marriage violates the state constitution's equal protection clause. This decision paves the way for legal recognition of gay marriage in California.
- November 4, 2008: Voters pass Proposition 8, amending the California Constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman. This overturns the California Supreme Court's previous decision and effectively bans same-sex marriage once again.
- May 26, 2009: The California Supreme Court upholds Proposition 8 but rules that the approximately 18,000 same-sex marriages performed during the "window period" between May and November 2008 remain valid.
- August 4, 2010: In Perry v. Schwarzenegger, a federal district court judge rules Proposition 8 unconstitutional, finding that it violates the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution. However, the ruling is stayed pending appeal.
- February 7, 2012: The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upholds the district court's decision in Perry v. Schwarzenegger, declaring Proposition 8 unconstitutional. The case is appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
- June 26, 2013: The U.S. Supreme Court issues its landmark ruling in Hollingsworth v. Perry, effectively legalizing same-sex marriage in California by dismissing an appeal against the Ninth Circuit's decision. This decision restores marriage equality in the state.
- June 26, 2015: In Obergefell v. Hodges, the U.S. Supreme Court rules that same-sex marriage is a fundamental right guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. This decision effectively legalizes same-sex marriage nationwide, making California's journey towards marriage equality part of a broader national movement.
Since Obergefell v. Hodges, same-sex couples in California have enjoyed the same legal recognition and rights as opposite-sex couples, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and equality.