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California backs gay marriage law
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The 41-35 vote in favour by the Assembly follows a similar ruling by the state Senate last week. It comes after bitter debate over gay marriage. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger must now decide whether to make the bill law. The US’ first legal gay marriage took place last year, after a Massachusetts court ruled gay couples had the right to marry under its state constitution. The bill approved by the California Assembly states that marriage is a civil contract between two people, rather than between a man and a woman. Values ‘betrayed’ Its supporters have compared it to previous civil rights campaigns such as ending slavery and giving women the right to vote. The bill’s sponsor, San Francisco Democrat Mark Leno, said: “Do what we know is in our hearts. Make sure all California families will have the same protection under the law.” More : news.bbc.co.uk |
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