A state Superior Court judge ruled today that a California law limiting marriage to a union between a man and a woman is unconstitutional. In the opinion, Judge Kramer wrote, ''Same-sex marriage cannot be prohibited solely because California has always done so before.''

Today's ruling is similar to the one issued in Multnomah County trial court last year, prior to the passage of Measure 36. California law bans same-sex marriage, but it does not have a constitutional amendment specifically banning same-sex marriage like those passed in 13 states in November.

''This decision is part of a growing body of legal opinion throughout this country that confirms that the exclusion of same-sex couples from the fundamental right to marry violates every principle of fairness and equality this country and state hold dear,'' said Roey Thorpe, Executive Director of Basic Rights Oregon. ''Today's ruling is not just a victory for California, but for an entire nation moving forward on the path to full equality.''

This ruling is just the first step in the legal fight to end the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage in California. The case, which was brought by the city of San Francisco and a dozen same-sex couples last March, will eventually be decided by the California Supreme Court.

READ THE CALIFORNIA COURT OPINION

This entry was posted on Monday, March 14, 2005 at 2:02 PM. Want to discuss? Leave a comment below.