Monday, June 16, 2008

And the Walls Came Tumbling Down

(Diane Olson, l; Robin Tyler, r.)

Savannah, GA. We announced the lawsuit on Feb. 12, 2004, at 9 AM in front of the Beverly Hills Courthouse. -- Robin Tyler, plaintiff (along with partner Diane Olson) in the case that has led to legal same-sex marriage in California. They met decades ago, and were friends for over a quarter century before becoming a couple. In 1979 they were active in the first National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.

Today, at 5:01pm PDT, by order of the California Supreme Court, same-sex couples were legally entitled to all of the rights and privileges afforded opposite-sex married couples. Contrary to the fears (and hopes--let's be honest) of some Xtians, the sky is still intact, the rivers do not run with blood, and sulfur emissions in California have actually declined.

There are a few bureaucratic changes, naturally. There will be one marriage certificate form for everyone, and secular--not religious--civil ceremonies conducted by the State will be gender-neutral. The wording recommended from the County Clerks Assn. of California goes thusly: "By virtue of the authority vested in me, as a Deputy Commissioner of Marriages for the County of XXX, I now pronounce this couple united in marriage under the laws of the state of California."

Ms. Tyler and Ms. Olson became legal spouses early this evening. Congratulations.

Somewhere my friends Jean and Marilyn are very, very happy...

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