DeGeneres And Takei Allowed to Stay Wed

5 months ago 27th May 06:30

Ellen DeGeneres and George Takei's 2008 same sex marriages will stand, despite a new ruling to uphold the ban on gay weddings in California.

The California Supreme Court has opted not to overturn the ban which came into effect late last year (08) - six months after gay marriages were declared legal thanks to a May (08) decision.

During the legal window on same sex marriages, DeGeneres wed girlfriend Portia De Rossi and Star Trek actor Takei exchanged vows with longtime partner Brad Altman.

At a ruling in court on Tuesday (26May09), officials declared those gay couples who wed between May and November last year will be considered married.

The people of California voted to overturn a ruling to allow gay marriage on 4 November (08). Gay leaders in the state now plan to take their fight to federal court.

Then there are those of us who still dangle in 'domestic partnership'. We can adopt our own children, but we can’t bring our partners, who might be citizens from out of the country, here.Melissa Etheridge

Responding to the latest development, DeGeneres, who wed De Rossi in August (08), says, "One day, when everyone is treated with full equality, we'll look back and realize how wrong this was".

Meanwhile singer/songwriter Melissa Etheridge has joined in taking aim at California officials who have upheld the state gay marriage ban - because the legislation is creating problems for her family.

On Tuesay (26May09), the California Supreme Court opted not to overturn the ban which came into effect late last year (08) - six months after gay marriages were declared legal thanks to a May (08) declaration.

And that means Etheridge cannot legally wed her longtime partner Tammy Lynn Michaels.

She explains, "Then there are those of us who still dangle in 'domestic partnership'. We can adopt our own children, but we can’t bring our partners, who might be citizens from out of the country, here. We can’t file joint tax returns. I could go on.

"How do I explain this to my children...? I am hopeful as I see more and more states turn to the inevitable future of equality, California will get there. Change takes time."