California court's decision on same-sex marriage draws condemnation

Published: 2008-05-23

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The May 15 California Supreme Court decision that struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriage continued to draw condemnation from Catholic leaders across the country as an act that destroys God's plan for humanity. Bishops in particular on both coasts were joined by the Maryland Catholic Conference in expressing grave concerns that the 4-3 decision undermines the legal status of marriage and threatens to destroy the moral framework of American culture. The court held that domestic partnerships currently recognized by the state are an inadequate substitute for marriage. The ruling makes California the second state after Massachusetts to allow same-sex couples to wed. The California decision was to go into effect 30 days after it was handed down, but its opponents vowed to fight it.

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