It’s a historic day in California. Finally, a light at the end of the tunnel for the state’s LGBT couples:

The court’s 4-to-3 decision striking down state laws that had limited marriages to unions between a man and a woman makes California only the second state, after Massachusetts, to allow same-sex marriages. The decision, which becomes effective in 30 days, is certain to play a role in the presidential campaign.

“In view of the substance and significance of the fundamental constitutional right to form a family relationship,” Chief Justice Ronald M. George wrote of marriage for the majority, “the California Constitution properly must be interpreted to guarantee this basic civil right to all Californians, whether gay or heterosexual, and to same-sex couples as well as to opposite-sex couples.”

I didn’t think this day would come so soon, but it’s an extremely pleasant surprise, especially after having lived through all the drama in San Francisco after the marriages were declared null. Congrats to all those couples!

Via / The New York Times

Image via LA Times Getty Images