Mayor Gavin Newsom

[Kadie]

:applause:


San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom speaks on the phone with City Attorney Dennis Herrera as they discuss the news that the California Supreme Court has overturned a ban on gay marriages, in his office in San Francisco, Thursday, May 15, 2008. The California Supreme Court overturned a voter-approved ban on gay marriage, paving the way for the state to become the second in the United States where gay and lesbian residents can marry. The justices released the 4-3 decision Thursday, saying that domestic partnerships are not a good enough substitute for marriage in an opinion written by Chief Justice Ron George.
(AP Photo/Eric Risberg)


San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom reacts to the news that the California Supreme Court has overturned a ban on gay marriages, in his office in San Francisco, Thursday, May 15, 2008. The California Supreme Court overturned a voter-approved ban on gay marriage, paving the way for the state to become the second in the United States where gay and lesbian residents can marry. The justices released the 4-3 decision Thursday, saying that domestic partnerships are not a good enough substitute for marriage in an opinion written by Chief Justice Ron George.
(AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

State Supreme Court says same-sex couples have right to marry
Bob Egelko, Chronicle Staff Writer

Thursday, May 15, 2008

snip...
The legal case dates back to February 2004, when San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom ordered the city clerk to start issuing marriage licenses to couples regardless of their gender, saying he doubted the constitutionality of the state marriage law.

The state's high court ordered a halt a month later, after the nearly 4,000 same-sex weddings had been performed at City Hall. The court annulled the marriages in August 2004, ruling that Newsom lacked authority to defy the state law. But it did not rule on the validity of the law itself and said it would await proceedings in lower courts.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/05/15/BAGAVNC5K.DTL&tsp=1

Shelly Bailes (L) and her partner of 34 years, Ellen Pontac, hug after hearing a decision by California's Supreme Court in San Francisco, California, May 15, 2008. The California Supreme Court ruled on Thursday the state cannot bar same-sex marriages, marking a major victory for

[TomInTib]

1. I was downtown the day all those folks were getting married at City Hall.

I doubt that I will ever witness anything like that, again.

An absolutely incredible scene.

[mitchtv]

2. Thanks Mayor Newsom

I will never forget your courage and generosity to GBLT people. You are a true ally.
"I remember the face of every man who put me here"...