Update: Same-sex marriage legal, state court rules

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Lawmakers and electoral candidates are responding along party lines to the California Supreme Court's decision this morning to overturn a ban on gay marriage.

The ruling paves the way for California to become the second state where gay and lesbian residents can marry.

Conservatives campaigning in western Nevada County called on voters to rally behind an effort to change the state constitution to define marriage as being between a man and a woman. In 2000, voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 22, refining that definition in state law.

“Today’s decision not only overturns the will of the vast majority of Californians, but it is an affront to the very values that unite us as Americans," Republican congressional candidate Doug Ose said. "I am disappointed that a handful of activist judges have decided to play politics with an issue that is so important to families throughout this state.”

Dan Logue, a Yuba County Republican campaigning for the 3rd District Assembly seat, agreed.

"This is a revolutionary decision that must be reversed by any legal means necessary," Logue said. "If elected to the State Assembly I will move to pass a constitutional amendment to define marriage between a man and a woman."

The new Assembly speaker, Karen Bass, D-Los Angeles, compared the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing interracial marriage.

“It is a true testament to advancing equality and to recognizing the right of all Californians to build a future with the person they love," Bass said. "Today’s ruling is another important reminder that love will overcome.”

The justices released the 4-3 decision early today, saying that domestic partnerships are not a good enough substitute for marriage in an opinion written by Chief Justice Ron George.

The cases were brought by the city of San Francisco, two dozen gay and lesbian couples, Equality California and another gay rights group in March 2004 after the court halted San Francisco’s monthlong same-sex wedding march that took place at Mayor Gavin Newsom’s direction.