Married California Gays Face Lonely Future

The California Supreme Court's expected decision to uphold a ban on gay marriage but still recognize existing unions will leave the state's 18,000 married gay couples in a strange situation, the Los Angeles Times reports. Couples are relieved that their marriages are likely to survive, but they see legal and emotional confusion stemming from their unique status.  "They are likely to be frequently asked to prove that they are married," one legal activist notes.

They'll also be aware that they enjoy benefits their peers can't get, and some fear that their status as pioneers will lead to too much pressure to have perfect marriages. "We will be scrutinized," one woman said. "I feel a sense of responsibility to show to people that gay marriage can be as healthy, productive, supportive and loving as any straight marriage."
(More California stories.)