March 15, 2004

Thursday March 11 The California Supreme Court put an immediate stop to gay marriages in the state. The court did not rule on the legality of the marriages and it was not said if Newsome had the legal power to authorize the marriages. The court said it would hear a case in May or June on their legality.

Massachusetts moved closer to amending the state Constitution to ban same'sex marriages and establish civil unions for gay and lesbian couples, by passing two preliminary votes on the amendment. Under an order of the Supreme Judicial Court, gay marriage is scheduled to become legal on May 17. Although opponents talk of delaying the order, it is likely Massachusetts will allow same sex marriages for the next 2? years.

Some lawmakers who support gay marriage voted for the amendment anyway in the first round hoping to defeat the amendment when it reaches what is called the third reading. The current amendment calls for couples in civil unions to receive the same benefits as married couples; some lawmakers are expected to try to weaken the provision.