California approves gay marriage but Schwarzenegger may veto bill

GAY rights supporters cheered loudly from the gallery as California lawmakers became the first in the US to approve a bill allowing same-sex marriages. But their celebration may be short-lived.

The legislation could be vetoed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has expressed an acceptance of gay marriages but said it’s an issue that should be decided by voters or the courts.

“He will uphold whatever the court decides,” spokesperson Margita Thompson said on Tuesday after the state Assembly approved the same-sex marriage measure, 41-35. The Senate had approved it last week.

A state appellate court is considering appeals of a lower court ruling that overturned California laws banning recognition of gay marriages. And opponents of same-sex marriage are trying to qualify initiatives for the 2006 ballot that would amend the state Constitution to ban gay marriages.

The bill’s supporters compared the legislation to earlier civil rights campaigns, including efforts to eradicate slavery and give women the right to vote.

“Do what we know is in our hearts,” said the bill’s sponsor, San Francisco Democrat Mark Leno. “Make sure all California families will have the same protection under the law.”

But opponents cited the public’s vote five years ago to approve Proposition 22, which prohibits California from recognising same-sex marriages performed in other states or countries.

“History will record that you betrayed your constituents and their moral and ethical values,” Republican Assemblyman Jay La Suer said.