Arnold Backs The Court

Schwarzenegger’s statement on the ruling:

"I respect the Court’s decision and as Governor, I will uphold its ruling.  Also, as I have said in the past, I will not support an amendment to the constitution that would overturn this state Supreme Court ruling."

Other reactions: Timothy Kincaid:

…this is not the final word. We are not yet sure whether a ballot initiative to ban gay marriage in the California Constitution received enough signatures to make it on the ballot in November.

But whatever you are doing right now, stop for a moment to celebrate an important change. Now one of ten Americans live in a state in which gay people are accorded full equality under the law.

Nancy Polikoff:

So four years – almost to the day – since couples began marrying in Massachusetts, the California Supreme Court has handed the marriage equality movement its biggest win yet.

Massachusetts has refused marriage licenses to most out-of-state couples; California won’t do that. When San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom authorized same-sex marriage in February 2004, the streets outside City Hall filled with couples from around the country. Expect a repeat — multiplied many times over — beginning 30 days from now.

Alex Koppelman:

…my first impression is that the political implications here could be big for November and beyond…First of all, this decision will undoubtedly be used by the Republican Party to try to re-energize its base. Secondly, it puts the Democratic Party in an uncomfortable position. The party has largely tried to split the baby by opposing outright legalization of gay marriage, which is still very dangerous politically, and supporting civil unions as an equitable solution. But this decision says civil unions are not the same thing as marriage and shouldn’t be treated that way. It’ll be very interesting to see what the reaction is from the party and the presidential candidates.

More reaction to come. My initial thoughts here and here.