In 2004 the issue of gay marriage became the focus of national attention when, in an act of civil disobedience, the mayor of San Francisco ordered clerks to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The incident in San Francisco prompted city officials in several counties and states to follow suit. These events triggered numerous lawsuits challenging marriage laws around the country.

Once such lawsuit worked its way through the appeals process to the California Supreme Court. Earlier this month the court decided that limiting the definition of marriage to a union "between a man and a woman" is discriminatory and unconstitutional. The California law that prohibits same-sex marriages, which was passed by voters in 2000, has therefore been struck down. The case will no doubt set a precedent that could have an impact on other states.

The state of California could start issuing marriage licenses to homosexual couples within the next month. However conservatives have asked the court to hold off on issuing marriage licenses until after November's election. This fall California voters will most likely be given the chance to vote on a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages. Those in favor of the ban hope that if the amendment is adopted the issue of same-sex marriages will finally be put to rest. If the amendment doesn't make it on the ballot, or if it is rejected by voters, California will become the second state in the union to recognize gay marriages.