Beverly Hills: Gay marriage is never simple

They have lived together since 1994, and exchanged rings years ago.  Yet there they were on the steps of the Beverly Hills Courthouse at 8:29 a.m., clutching cameras. 

"We wanted to do this before the opportunity was taken away," said Sam Thurber, 39, an emergency and trauma physician, who came with his betrothed, Ned James Beedie, 37, a PhD student in psychology.

Thurber was optimistic that the initiative in November seeking to ban gay marriage would fail. But he and Beedie decided they would hedge their bets.

Nothing is ever simple with gay marriage, he said: "Britney Spears can get married in a Vegas chapel one night, and get divorced the next day, and no one thinks about it," he said.

-- Jennifer Oldham

Comments

[Steve]

This is totally wrong and unconstitutional. Proposition 22 was properly and constitutionally passed by an overwhelming majority of Californians. It is only right that voters in California reverse this horrific power grab by the California Supreme Court. Let's pray they do the right thing and realize what's happening here. Overturn this rubbish!

[Raven]

When was the last time we voted for freedom for the slaves, gave woman the right to vote or to allow interracial marriage. WE DIDN'T, fair minded individuals said enough was enough and ended those horrible policies. Mob rule has never protected the minority. Given the chance you STILL would have people voting for those horrible practices.

[Jadvar]

The institution of marriage in our state will only be strengthened when it's shared with every Californian equally. Thankfully the Justices on the Supreme court found it unconstitutional not to do so. We can all choose to applaud that decision and share in what was an extremely joyous day for so many people, or continue to turn a blind eye to our loved ones.

Thankfully, we the people, will have another chance to get this right this November. Honoring all our friends, family, neighbors, paramedics, firefighters, peace officers, and doctors that are not only in our community but help make it safe, is long overdue. Congratulations everyone!