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Editorial: Historic day in California
Same-gender couples tie knot
STORY TOOLS 
More from OpinionAs each couple emerged from the clerk and recorder line at the county Government Center on Tuesday, they were greeted by well-wishers decked out in all the colors of the rainbow.
Forming a semicircle, members of local Unitarian Universalist churches sang in harmony the song written specifically for same-gender ceremonies: "We are standing on the side of love: Hands joined together as hearts beat as one."
Most weddings are emotional, happy times. Tuesday — the first day the county of Ventura issued marriage licenses to same-gender couples — there was the additional excitement of knowing that history was being made.
"We are just here to celebrate all the people getting married today — the opportunity to make it legal," said the Rev. Betty Stapleford, minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Conejo Valley. "This is our way to say congratulations."
Wearing colorful vestments, the Rev. Stapleford and the Rev. Jan Christian of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura helped hand out bouquets and cupcakes to those who emerged from the office with marriage licenses.
It is hard to imagine that it was only May 15 that the California Supreme Court ruled 4 to 3 to overturn California's ban on gay marriage.
Just a month later, same-gender couples — many together for decades — are able to tie the knot legally in California.
Robb Quint, a member of The Star's Community Advisory Board, and Jerry Burns of Thousand Oaks did not exchange rings at their noontime ceremony at the Government Center. They held "in token and pledge" of their love the rings they have both worn for more than 22 years to symbolize their commitment to each other.
There was laughter when Mr. Burns missed a beat before saying "yes" to his marriage vows, and tears as Mr. Quint said, "With this ring, I marry you."
Before Tuesday, same-gender couples could become "domestic partners." The difference now is that same-gender couples can be declared "married under the laws of the state of California."
Although all couples must know the daunting statistics about how many marriages fail, same-gender couples have an additional worry: A state constitutional amendment to ban marriages between same-gender couples will be on the November ballot.
How many newly married couples must ask their wedding guests, as Mr. Quint did at his reception, to encourage their friends and acquaintances to vote against a proposition to ban same-gender marriage in November?
In their separate May 15 legal opinions, written by Chief Justice Ron George and Justice Joyce Kennard, many reasoned arguments are made why "the failure to designate the official relationship of same-sex couples as marriage violates the California Constitution."
They wrote about the principles of equal justice, individual liberty, fairness.
Those are all important, but not to be forgotten amid the legalisms, elections or court battles to come is love.
Posted by shaver_one on June 18, 2008 at 7:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Interesting that I did not notice the meltdown of 'traditional marriage'. I have not seen hetero couples falling apart in a puddle of ooze, now that a man can marry another man, or a woman another woman. I have not seen children suddenly groping around blind wondering how they will survive amongst the new couples.
I am still married to my wife. My daughter is still married to her husband. My son is still married to his wife. My life has not changed in any way.
God, in all her glory, is smiling. Life is good.
Posted by del on June 18, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
May they all have a full moon on a dark night.
Blessed be
Namaste
Vaya Con Diosa
Posted by ConTemplate on June 18, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Quite interesting to me is the dearth of reports of protests. Are the stories of so much hatred and "homophobia" manufactured to suit the needs of those who have to push an agenda?
I doubt that all the "haters" out there simply given up and accepted this as inevitable, so the November vote will be telling. If the court's decision is upheld by the vote perhaps acceptance has come. But if the ban is reinstated at the ballot box, will that be portrayed as an indication that hate is alive and well?
Posted by venturapagan on June 18, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Goddess bless them, In Love and Light!
Posted by keem_s on June 18, 2008 at 11:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Here's a good read
Posted by allblacks on June 18, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
JDubya1000-was it reported on Faux News? I must've missed it when I got up from my couch to get another beer. Or maybe I was out washing my unpatriotic SUV (wasting water AND gas).
Posted by godslove1 on June 18, 2008 at 3:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Boy you guys are a piece of work. I'm surprised that the editor has not deleted all your posts. You are the most racist bunch of all feigning acceptance and forcing your narrow views. Is something wrong with being conservative or is it so offensive because it does not agree with your opinion?
Veritas: traditional is in the dictionary it means what was and is and will always be such as a traditional home or dishes or family! Don't degrade your intelligence by getting on the bandwagon of the other ignorant dolts just trying to make a lot of noise.
The deterioration will be gradual. Weather or not this bill passes and the Constitution is upheld there will be an indelible mark in our lives and the lives of our posterity. God bless us all!
Posted by carexpritch on June 18, 2008 at 10:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
All those gay and lesbos couples definitely are affecting my straight hetero marriage.
Those newly married couples are tending to nice gardens and wearing fashionable clothes all over my neighborhood and making ME look bad.
My TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE Way Of Life is now degraded by all those legally married gay couples!!
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