Seventeen years ago today, the California Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling, striking down the state’s ban on same-sex marriage, opening a brief but historic window for marriage equality.On May 15, 2008, the justices’ four to three decision made California the second state to allow gay and lesbian marriages.The landmark ruling was both a victory for same-sex marriage advocates, but also marked the opening bell for the next legal and political fight.California’s Proposition 8 was a 2008 voter-approved ballot initiative that temporarily banned same-sex marriage by defining marriage solely as between a man and a woman.It overturned the state Supreme Court ruling and prompted intense legal battles, eventually being declared unconstitutional by federal courts in 2013.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
Seventeen years ago today, the California Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling, striking down the state’s ban on same-sex marriage, opening a brief but historic window for marriage equality.
On May 15, 2008, the justices’ four to three decision made California the second state to allow gay and lesbian marriages.
The landmark ruling was both a victory for same-sex marriage advocates, but also marked the opening bell for the next legal and political fight.
California’s Proposition 8 was a 2008 voter-approved ballot initiative that temporarily banned same-sex marriage by defining marriage solely as between a man and a woman.
It overturned the state Supreme Court ruling and prompted intense legal battles, eventually being declared unconstitutional by federal courts in 2013.