SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - It was a jolt of energy for a crowd of about 150 people wilting in the midday heat outside the California Supreme Court building in San Francisco.
Word that the Republican-controlled state high court had voted 4-3 to overturn a state law banning same sex marriage. It touched off a raucous celebration. People jumped for joy, cheered and cried. Horns on passing cars honked -- and congratulations were shouted to same sex couples.
The long wait for Shelly Bailes and Ellen Pontac illustrates the jubilation. They've been together more than 34 years, but had to hide their relationship while their four children were in school. Otherwise, Pontac says, their kids would have been taken away, adding "that's why this is such a big deal."
Meanwhile, religious and social conservative groups are trying to put a measure on the November ballot that would enshrine laws banning gay marriage in the state constitution.
The conservative Alliance Defense Fund says it plans to ask the state justices for a stay of today's decision until after the fall election.
