The California Senate has followed the Assembly in passing an equal-marriage bill that would open the door for gay couples to become legally married in the state.

Whether it sees the light of day or not remains to be seen. Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed a similar bill two years ago. He says the issue should be left up to the people or the California Supreme Court.

Arnie's attitudes about gay rights are pretty well known. My guess is he favors allowing gay marriages, but would prefer the Supreme Court make that decision. He may get his wish, because the Supreme Court is hearing cases related to the San Francisco marriage spree in 2004. They are supposed to rule by mid-October.

My views on gay marriage are somewhat ambivalent, as I've stated before. While I welcome any progress on the road to full equality, I hate handing the Repuglicans an issue they can campaign on and get the electorate all stirred up.

I also recognize the hypocrisy of that statement, since I was married in Canada in 2005. But, since my marriage crashed and burned, I guess my first call will be to a divorce lawyer if gay marriage becomes legal in California anytime soon.