California and Gay Marriage

For much of the country, it felt like a bolt from the blue. Last week, giant California gave a green light to gay marriage.

California's high court, in a 4-3 ruling, said civil union rights were not enough. Gay Californians — and those from anywhere else who barrel west to the Golden State — are entitled, said the court, to marriage.

San Francisco celebrated. Even Arnold Schwarzenegger signed on. There are implications for the whole country. Legally. Politically. But the battle's not over.

This hour, On Point: California's big move on gay marriage.

Guests:

Crystal Carreon, courts reporter for the Sacramento Bee.

Geoff Kors, executive director of Equality California, a gay rights advocacy group.

Brian Brown, executive director for the California chapter of the National Organization for Marriage, which opposes the state's high court ruling.

Dahlia Lithwick, senior editor and legal analyst at Slate magazine.

Douglas Kmiec, professor of constitutional law at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. He served as head of the Office of Legal Counsel for Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.