California State Senate Passes Gay Marriage Law

The California State Senate became the first legislative body in the nation to pass a bill that would allow same-sex couples to marry. The bill must now be voted on in the Assembly where it faces tougher obstacles according to most observers.

For now, supporters of the bill were pleased with their accomplishment. The final vote was 21-15 in favor of the bill with four abstentions.

'It is a very proud day,' explained Assemblyman Mark Leno, (D-San Francisco) the bills sponsor, who hugged and kissed supporters when the bill passed. 'The Senate embraced our common humanity that all of our citizens are created equal. . . . It's historic and it's just the beginning.'

The proposed law, now AB 849, would define marriage as a union of 'two persons' instead of as a union between 'a man and a woman.' The bill must still pass the Assembly, where it was narrowly defeated in June, before it reaches Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Thus far, Schwarzenegger, a Republican, has said he opposes same-sex marriage but supports domestic partnerships.

Leno was hopeful of a different outcome in the Senate this time but he was also realistic that winning the vote would not be easy.

'We now move to the assembly,' Leno told the 'San Jose Mercury News.' 'We are looking for three votes and I can't tell you today that I know exactly who the three will be . . . but I believe the Senate will give us the necessary momentum and encouragement to do what we know is the right thing.'

This is just the latest battle in what promises to be a long fight over gay marriage and the rights of same-sex couples.