I am sorry you are offended because I think you were vague in your statement--but all you said was that you didn't believe it was right to let gays marry--that is vague to me. That's my point; nobody ever says WHY they feel that way-well, sometimes they quote me bible verse (but that's absurd--selling people would still be okay if that was our legal guidline). I am sure you feel very strongly--but I just want to know what it is that can make you feel its alright to deny a whole segment of the popultation their equality.
I won't even respond. I just want to read it. That's all.

GA, I will respond to your comment but I would like some time to think my response through, I don’t just comment “on the fly”. There are MANY people here that I have come to respect and feel as if they are part of our KTLA Blog Family and I don’t want offend them or anyone else. I will say this though, my belief is not “some sort of vaguely stated belief”, (I do take offend to that comment BYW). They are deeply felt just as those from the opposing side.

Laura, Shelly--I still don't understand why you oppose gay marriage--this is the answer I always get--because you think its wrong. But I honestly don't know why you think that way or feel its okay to tell a group of people that they don't have the same rights as you and I based on some sort of vaguely stated belief.
I'm not attacking you--I really don't understand.

Shelly, your words are so beautiful, and I'm truly sorry for your loss.
I too have lost so many close friends to AIDS that the numbers are startling - including losing the LOVE OF MY LIFE! We do need to allow people their opinions - even on this subject.
My feeling is when you deny equal rights to a group of people that in turn deny, what some say are up to 1,000 rights that heterosexuals are allowed, then you have to see where the Supreme Court is coming from in their decision.
Again, Shelly I'm so sorry for your loss, and I wonder if that feeling ever does leave of wanting to pick up the phone to talk to that loved one that has passed away.

Laura don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's only great "for the economy". It's about friggin time Gays and Lesbians receive EQUAL RIGHTS! It's time they stop being treated as 2nd class citizens. You have no idea the rights that Lesbians and Gays are denied because they have not been allowed to marry.
How is they're being allowed equal rights to marry going to jeopardize the sanctity of YOUR heterosexual marriage? IT'S NOT! It's time that we end discrimination, bigotry, and hate against anyone that happens to be different than you.
If being GAY were a choice, then you might have a valid point.
But, it's not a choice. I challenge and ask anyone that feels being GAY is a choice to STOP and THINK (and reverse the thought) at what age then, were you when YOU made the CHOICE that you WERE NOT attracted to someone of the SAME sex? Did you have to make a choice as to whether you were attracted to someone of the same sex or the opposite sex? My guess is NO you DID NOT. You were born with whatever preference you so have. So why would it be any different for someone who is Gay or Lesbian. It's simple. It is no different.
(Please note that when I say YOU or YOUR it's collectively used and not directed to anybody individually!)
I was only saying that embracing this decision by the Supreme Court and excepting it, can bring a lot of needed money into the State of California.
We are so in debt right now in this State the supposedly richest state in America. Let's embrace this decision and turn it into a positive and as an added bonus reap the benefits of marriage fees, hotels, churches, wedding planners, florists, musicians, wedding facilities, and all the people down to hotel workers that can benefit by this decision of allowing EQUAL RIGHTS UNDER THE CONSTITUTION.

First let me say that I am not an english major, nor did I do well in grammer. So to all the critics please excuse the mistakes.
I would like to say that I also am not a "homophobic". My brother died at the age of 41 of AIDS, one day after his birthday. He was the best brother in the world. He was giving and kind. Sometimes his sarcasim was hilarious,sometimes it cut to the quick, but that was my brother. When he went into the hospital I was by his side 24 hours a day until he took his final breath. All of his friends, gay and straight came by to say their last goodbyes. It was the saddest day of my life when he left this world.
We had a great relationship even though we did not see eye to eye on a lot of issues. We were able to disagree agreeably. He knew where I stood on issues and I knew where he stood.
We were on opposite sides on a lot of things but on the same side of respect for one another's opinion. Some of us disagree with the same sex marriage issue and others agree. Because we may disagree does not mean that we are "gay bashers" or "haters" of the gay community. We just stand on different sides.
It's been 11 years on January 30th that my brother died and sometimes I find myself going to the phone to call him. I miss him very much.
We don't know what tomorrow holds for us. Just make sure you treat others with the same respect that you would like to be treated, whether you agree or not.

I see that I’ll be the first to say I’m against this but don’t think continued reading will show a “bashing” response because that just isn’t me. We do have some friends that are Gay and we truly Love and Adore them and vice versa. This is just one of the few subjects that we have agreed to disagree on. I do get extremely frustrated to hear that because this is my view or opinion I’m labeled a “Homophobic, Radical or Religionist Fanatic” because I’m not. My beliefs are just as strong as those who disagree but I don’t hate or label them for it.

As for allowing Gay Marriages for the “Economy”??? Marriages have a hard enough time lasting 5 years in this country on Normal Loving Terms and Promises. I value other people’s opinions on ALL issues including this one but for the Economy?? I would rather see the law change tomorrow then to have this even raised as an issue for support. We have laws passed and overturned all the time but to do that for “revenue”? Are we now at a point to where we’re talking about what laws will bring in the most money? I’m sorry, my opinion, I don’t think this is even close to the issue.

One thing stated today, is that Massachusetts requires you to be a resident of the State. California will not do that. There will be people flocking to our State to get married - THINK OF THE MONEY that will generate for our State. The Governor has finally seen the light and vowed that he will not fight it. He even met with the Log Cabin Republicans and promised them that.
Wouldn't it be great to see all that GAY money come into this State to help stimulate the economy! AWESOME!

Eric,

I don't see a problem with two people of the same sex who love each other to marry in this state or any other. There are bigger issues that the people of this state have to deal with than this one. Let Gays have the freedom that everyone else has. That's my two cents.

I don't get it--where are all the people who voted to strike down gay marriage years ago?I guess they don't read blogs? I've NEVER ONCE been presented with a decent, fair-minded reason for the ban.
Because there isn't one.

I think it rocks! Finally the Court did something right.

Congratuations to the Gay community. I'm glad the California Supreme Court overturned the ruling. The big argument I always seem to hear is that marriage is a "sacred" ceremony. Does anyone have any statistics as to how many people have been married more than once? How sacred can it be? To me the core of the marriage rights are the legal problems that arise due to NOT being married. Does anyone think it's alright for someone who has lived with another person, pays bills together is not entitled to visit their "other" on their deathbed." Don't get me wrong, I love weddings. I think it's a treasured moment when two people give their vows in the presence of all their loved ones. But I also believe it is truly a great act of love to be with someone you love when the moment comes to leave this life. To deny people this cherished moment is UNGODLY.

May I say a HUGE thank you to everyone who has responded to this topic in such a positive manner. Being an openly Gay male, reading the support in every single posting has made me completely break down and sob! They are definitely tears of joy. From the bottom of my heart - THANK YOU SO MUCH EVERYONE!

I agree with Bill in San Diego. I also do not care. What is wrong to marry someone you love? We have MANY, MANY major issues to deal with. Let me list a few, Health Care, Education, Jobs, This Ugly War, Economy. I could go on, but it is too hot to type.
Laurie
Santa Maria

Has anyone given a thought that this is exactly what the economy needs here in California. As a gay woman myself, it is well known that gay men have money. More money than lesbians on average. If they all come out here to marry - they will need a place to live with their partners which means the real estate market in this area will benefit greatly from this, not only that but what about all the other "wedding" associated businesses. Let's not forget taxes. Think of all the revenue the new "gays" will be bringing to the state. Perhaps this will help the budget deficit we seem to have every year and maybe those tax dollars will help the education system which seems to be on the chopping block. I guess my contribution to the state sales tax was meanless until yesterday. Let's think about it. Let's also tell the bigots that you love a person for who they are - not what they are. Perhaps love is something they have never known.

It time the religious right, ultra conservative righties Republican politicians to get the h**l out of people's lives where they don't belong, where they are not wanted, and pay more attention to their own lives and the lives of their families. These same people are the most hypocritical of any other group of people in this country. They are trouble makers..if they don't like what others are doing, particularly since it is not affecting their lives..then shut the h**l up and mind your own business. These thoughts are just IMHO.

Eric I have to say something about it but it won't be quick, it'll be long

I'm a listener of the Tom Leykis and i'm personally not into marriage and do not plan to get married in my lifetime. Eight years ago I was not a registered voter and didn't have my say on Prop 22, this time i'm a voter and I will vote no on any proposition that is against personal freedom such as gay marriage, smokers rights, abortion rights. I support these rights. If I was against these things I would still support there rights.

Eric I know on your blog you've talked about our troubled economy, I see this as not only equal rights to marriage for the gay community but I also see it as way to pump money into the local and state economy (being through marriage license fees, last minute catering parties, etc.). These churches and morality groups that are against this need to wake up and smell the Holy Water, Communion Wafers, or there books on Morality Beliefs and accept the fact that our economy needs a shot in the arm and this could be a good thing financially.

To end my response is San Francisco did this four years and I have a feeling the city made some money from it in one way or another. This time california as a whole has a chance. Let's not blow it.

Gay Marriage in California? Hmmm, that is a toughie. Let me think...Wait, I don't care! We got real, honest to god problems to deal with. I called a few friends and asked their opionion. One answer was very telling. Question: What do you think of this whole Gay Marriage issue? Answer: "Don't know...Don't care! I am still trying to figure out if I can afford to take a road trip for my nephews graduation." My friends answer pretty sums up my thoughts as well. Don't know and don't care.

You know, it wasn't that long ago that blacks were not allowed to marry whites. Now that Gay and Lesbians have finally achieved equal first class recognition - no longer to be treated as second class citizens - a good number of homophobic individuals want to take that away. How does my wanting to commit to a person I love who happens to be of the same gender, take away from your marriage in any way? IT DOESN'T. As soon as society excepts the fact that we are born this way, created in the likeness of God, our Creator - that it is not a choice - the World will be a better place. It will also be a great day when the media quits wording their comments in a way that insight hate, and discrimination. There should never have been an initiative on the ballot in the first place that causes such discrimination. Being Gay is no more a choice than being straight!
Thank you Kurt the Cyber Guy for representing in the Pride parade in Long Beach this weekend too. I hope to get to meet you, I will be marching with the Police Chief's Gay and Lesbian Advisory Group.

I am shocked that the voice of California citizens are not being honored. Several years back the people of California voted overwhelmingly to keep marriage between a man and woman. When will our leaders learn to listen to we the people?