150K Gay Couples Check 'Married' on Census

Becomes 7th state to recognize legal status

(AP) - Hawaii governor Neil Abercrombie signed same-sex civil unions into law yesterday, calling it "a triumph for everyone" that gay and lesbian couples will have the same state rights as married partners. Civil unions in the Rainbow State will start Jan. 1, 2012, making Hawaii the seventh state to permit them. "This bill represents equal rights for everyone in Hawaii, everyone who comes here. This is to me the essence of the aloha spirit," Abercrombie said at a signing ceremony. More»

Opponents of marriage ban sad but not surprised

(NEWSER) - Supporters of same-sex marriage were disappointed but not surprised by the California Supreme Court’s decision today to uphold Proposition 8, the San Francisco Chronicle reports, as a crowd that had gathered at the state courthouse moved through city streets, blocking traffic and prompting arrest. “This is a serious blow on religious freedom, and it opens the door for discrimination against any minority,” said one of the case’s plaintiffs. More»

Existing marriages still valid

(NEWSER) - California’s Supreme Court today upheld a state ban on gay marriage, but ruled that same-sex marriages that took place before voters approved the measure will stay valid, the Los Angeles Times reports. A court rejection of Proposition 8, which passed 52% to 48% in November, was considered highly unlikely. The move “virtually ensures” another voter referendum on the matter, writes Maura Dolan. More»

LA Times highlights writers with varying opinions on Calif. prop

(NEWSER) - From the schoolyard to the church, Californians are debating Prop 8, which would bar homosexuals from marriage if it passes Tuesday. The Los Angeles Times opened its opinion page to five more takes on it today:

• Alexandra Cole, whose 8-year-old daughter polled her friends, says Prop 8's backers have done more to make schoolchildren aware of it and "provided a giant teachable moment on gay marriage."

Prop 8 ruling is limited to California, providing a potential reason to skip

(NEWSER) - Kevin Drum at Mother Jones thinks today's court decision declaring California's ban on gay marriage to be unconstitutional is "great news" for sure, but he's not getting too excited just yet. Most people think this one is headed to the Supreme Court, where it looks like Anthony Kennedy will once again provide the swing vote, and "the betting money says this will get overturned 5-4," writes Drum. He also notes that the ruling is "very narrow" and limited to California. More»