Visit Your Local PBS Station PBS Home PBS Home Programs A-Z TV Schedules Watch Video Support PBS Shop PBS Search PBS
       
the Online NewsHour The Web site of the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer
E-mail This Page   Print This Page  
the Online NewsHour EXTRANews for Students AND Teacher Resources MAIN: ONLINE NEWSHOUR
7 - 12 grade level
SEARCH
ALL OR STUDENT VOICES LESSON PLANS VIDEO GO
Main: NewsHour ExtraU.S.WorldScienceHealthArts/MediaStudent VoicesTeacher Center
NewsHour Teacher Center Blog
May 16, 2008

” For the first time in my life and the life of millions of lesbian and gay people, we are truly equal under the law.” - Geoffrey Kors, Equality California

“This court decision shows why we need to have this issue decided by a constitutional amendment passed by the people, that judges shouldn’t be deciding this.” - Jordan Lorence, Allied Defense Fund play NewsHour video

The California Supreme Court struck down a state ban on same-sex marriages, calling the law unconstitutional, and saying domestic partnerships are not an acceptable substitute for marriage. California and Massachusetts are now the only two states to legalize marriage for gay and lesbian couples. In this video report, analysts examine reaction to the ruling and its possible impact on the gay marriage debate.

Strongly opposing viewpoints are expressed by the NewsHour’s two analysts:

“The court ruled that the equal protection clause of the state constitution requires just that: equality. And domestic partnership or any other status that is not identical in name, rights, and benefits violates the constitution. The state cannot do anything to deny lesbian and gay people’s equality without a compelling state interest. And they said, in this case, there was none.” - Geoffrey Kors

“We had one judge, a bare 4-3 majority ruling this way, nullifying a vote of the people just eight years ago that almost two-thirds of Californians voted to define marriage as one man and one woman. That is not an act of bigotry; that is an act of common sense, good, reasonable public policy that’s existed since the dawn of time.” - Jordan Lorence

What is the difference between a law and a constitutional amendment? What is the relationship of a state constitution to our federal constitution? Do you agree with the California Supreme Court decision? Why or why not?

Below are web links related to this story.

NewsHour Links
Analysis California Court Ruling Renews Debate Over Gay Marriage
Update: California’s Top Court Overturns Gay Marriage Ban
In-Depth Coverage: The Battle Over Same-Sex Marriage
2006 Update: New York, Georgia Courts Deal Setbacks to Gay Marriage
Lesson Plan: Constitutional Amendments And Gay Marriage
Extra Story & Activities: California Supreme Court Overturns Same-sex Marriage Ban
Extra Story & Activities: The Great Gay Marriage Debate

Other Links
The California Supreme Court decision
Equality California
Campaign for Children and Families
Allied Defense Fund
Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network

Author

Comments

Post a Comment:
(If you haven't left a comment here before, you need to be approved by Brian before your comment will appear. Until then, it won't appear on the entry. Thanks for waiting.)
Name: (required, pseudonym ok)
Email address: (required, will not be published)
Comment:

Recent Lesson Plans
Recent Comments
Web Resources
Recently Added:
What is this?
Teacher to Teacher
Share your teaching experiences: What works, what didn't, what's needed?
What is this?
Previous EntriesTOPICS
Video Clips
What is this?
Blog Jam
National Public Radio
From Education Stories
5/2/08 updated daily
What is this?
The Online NewsHour
FRIDAY'S PROGRAM
Editor's Note
Shaky Economy
Financial Crisis in Dubai
News Wrap
Holiday Shopping
Hard Knocks
Shields and Brooks
Austin City Limits
The Online NewsHour, an hour-long daily news broadcast
Check your Local Listings