Open Thread

May 16th, 2008 10:09 AM

For general discussion and debate. Possible talking point: California Supreme Court overturns same-sex marriage ban:

In an opinion that analysts say could have nationwide implications for the issue, the seven-member panel voted 4-3 in favor of plaintiffs who argued that restricting marriage to men and women was discriminatory. California's Supreme Court quashed a ban on gay marriage in a historic ruling here Thursday, effectively leaving same-sex couples in America's most populous state free to tie the knot... Thursday's ruling came after a long-running legal battle that erupted in 2000 when California voters approved a law declaring that only marriages between men and women could be legally recognized.

What's your reaction to this decision? As California often leads the country in groundbreaking judicial and legislative changes, do you envision this move sweeping the nation? Finally, which concerns you more, the decision itself, or that one jurist was able to overturn the will of the voters? Be advised that the 2000 initiative banning same-sex marriages received the support of 61 percent of those casting votes. Shouldn't we be far more concerned with this level of judicial fiat and its implications for the future than the ruling itself?