California will officially enshrine the right to marriage for same-sex couples in the state constitution after voters approved Proposition 3.
The ballot measure repeals Proposition 8, which voters approved in 2008 to define marriage as between a man and a woman in the state's constitution, stripping same-sex couples of the legal right to marry.
Though the Supreme Court's landmark 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision gave same-sex couples across the country the right to marry, California's constitution still contains language approved under Proposition 8.
Critics argued that the ballot initiative wasn't necessary and could open the way for polygamy and child marriage, a contention strongly refuted by Proposition 3 supporters.
"Current laws and court decisions already protect the right to marry, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, or ethnicity," reads the Proposition 3 opposition argument in the state voter's guide.
However, Proposition 3 proponents say it won't change California law on age requirements for marriage or how many people can marry in a legal union.
Major supporters include the Human Rights Campaign, California Chamber of Commerce and American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California. »
