Breaking: Gay marriage ban overturned in Calif.

SAN FRANCISCO - The California Supreme Court has overturned a ban on gay marriage, paving the way for California to become the second state where gay and lesbian residents can marry.

The justices released the 4-3 decision Thursday, saying that domestic partnerships are not a good enough substitute for marriage in an opinion written by Chief Justice Ron George.

"Under these circumstances, we cannot find that retention of the traditional definition of marriage constitutes a compelling state interest," the court said in a majority decision.

	Breaking News: Mom Indicted in MySpace Suicide	msnbc.com	Thu May 15	40
	California's top court legalizes gay marriage	Associated Press	Thu May 15	17
	California high court set to rule on same-sex marriage case---CNN JUST SAID THE COURT RULED AGAINST GAY MARRIAGE. --But NY TIMES SAYS IT APPROVED GAY MARRIAGE	CNN	Wed May 14	69
	California ban on same-sex marriage struck down	CNN	Fri May 16	0
	California lifts gay marriage ban	BBC News	Thu May 15	0