I could complain that it's been far too long in coming, be incredibly pessimistic and talk about how long this is going to last--right up until the November elections, and the initiative to amend the constitution, in fact. But instead, I'm going to tear up a little bit, and be very proud of the state I consider home (as if I had something to do with it! but still). The concurring opinion, written by associate Justice Kennard, will make you proud, too.
"There is a reason why the words 'Equal Justice Under Law' are inscribed above the entrance to the courthouse of the United States Supreme Court. Both the federal and the state Constitutions guarantee to all the 'equal protection of the laws' (U.S. Const., 14th Amend.; Cal. Const., art. I, § 7), and it is the particular responsibility of the judiciary to enforce those guarantees. The architects of our federal and state Constitutions understood that widespread and deeply rooted prejudices may lead majoritarian institutions to deny fundamental freedoms to unpopular minority groups, and that the most effective remedy for this form of oppression is an independent judiciary charged with the solemn responsibility to interpret and enforce the constitutional provisions guaranteeing fundamental freedoms and equal protection."And among my favorite stories following all of this is that George Takei, one of my childhood heroes (and hey! now on Heroes), is going to marry his sweetheart of 21 years. Here is where many terrible jokes would go about the final frontier, if I wasn't such a sap and busy bouncing up and down in my seat and going squee.
SEE ALSO: "Here come the brides!"
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