May 15, 2008 3:09 pm US/Pacific
Gay Marriage Decision Sparks SF Celebrations
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) ―
The crowd of about 150 gathered on the California Supreme Court's front steps was wilting in an unbearable heat Thursday when the decision overturning a ban on gay marriage spread like a high-voltage charge.
People jumped for joy, cheered and cried. They mugged for cameras, hugged, kissed and held up signs that announced the longevity of their unions: Married 34 years. 23 years. 15 years.
Rumor had it that protesters with anti-gay signs were on the other side of the building. But they never appeared. Indeed, if there was anyone there who supported a ban on gay marriage, they dared not say so among this crowd.
Thursday in San Francisco was a day for those who have been waiting for gay marriage, and the celebration was raucous and proud.
Passing cars honked, passersby stopped to congratulate couples and courthouse employees came outside to watch the merriment.
Longtime companions announced plans for big weddings, sharing their stories over and over again for a crush of reporters. Gay rights advocates called May 15, 2008, a day that would enter the history books. Even the security detail, officers from the California Highway Patrol, watched with smiles on their faces.
"I feel so so good," said Shelly Bailes, who was with her partner, Ellen Pontac. To underscore the length of their union, they carried signs that read, "Shelly and Ellen: Together 34 years, 7 mos, 19 days, 10 hrs."
The two recalled that for many years of their union, while their four children were in school, they had to hide their relationship.
"Our kids would have been taken away," Pontac said. "That's why this is such a big deal."
On the streets of the Castro district, historically the center of the gay community in San Francisco, it felt like a holiday. People whooped and hollered and high-fived each other, and gathered in pubs well before lunchtime to celebrate.
At The Mix, a crush of men gathered around a flat-screen television hugged and shook hands and cried "We Won! We Won!" as they watched news that told them gay marriage would soon be possible in California.
"It gives us confidence that you can be who you want to be," said John Ramirez.
"You can be with whoever you want to, regardless of race and gender."
In Los Angeles, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa joined gay marriage supporters and same-sex couples who brought their children to hear the decision at the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center.
The center's public affairs officer, James Key, said a huge celebration was planned for Thursday night in West Hollywood, a traditional hub for gay and lesbian residents.
"It's going to include a huge cake and people dancing," he said.
Bruce Carr, 50, lightly kissed his partner, Ron Longo, 48, when they heard the news. The pair, of Sierra Madre, had married three years ago in Canada, but said they didn't bring family members to that ceremony.
"We wanted to do it here when it was real," Carr said.
(© 2008 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
