Gay and Lesbian Couples Marry In California

Jennifer C. Pizer.
Jennifer C. Pizer and fiancée Doreena Wong receive their marriage license in West Hollywood, CA.
"For the first time, lesbian and gay people in California are fully equal under the law. Our promises of love and mutual commitment for a lifetime will have the same legal protection and dignity as those of other loving couples."

On June 17, same-sex couples began receiving marriage licenses from the state of California. Star Trek’s George Takei and his soon-to-be husband Brad Altman were first in a line of hundreds. Also receiving their marriage license were Lambda Legal Senior Counsel Jennifer C. Pizer and her partner Doreena Wong.

Meanwhile a joint advisory published by Lambda Legal, the ACLU, NCLR, GLAD, the Human Rights Campaign and other LGBT organizations, is encouraging out-of-state couples who marry to "make change, not lawsuits," explaining that "most lawsuits will likely set us all back." Visit Lambda Legal's Relationships Resources Page to download a copy of the statement and for more information.

It has been more than a month since the 4-3 California Supreme Court ruling that gay and lesbian couples are guaranteed the equal right to marry by the state constitution. California is now the second state in the country where same-sex couples have the same freedom to marry as heterosexual couples.

But an antigay ballot initiative threatens to change the California Constitution come November. We cannot let that happen. This is truly a historic occasion for our community, but we must stand together and do all we can to protect marriage equality. Visit EqualityForAll.com to find out how you can help.

Be a part of history!
Make a
gift
NOW!

Legal Documents

Resources

Media

Be a part of history! Make a gift now!

 

Lambda Legal Senior Counsel Jennifer Pizer's May 15 Address. Courtesy L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center.