California ban on same-sex marriage struck down:

In a 4-3 120-page ruling issue, the justices wrote that “responsibly to care for and raise children does not depend upon the individual’s sexual orientation.”

“We therefore conclude that in view of the substance and significance of the fundamental constitutional right to form a family relationship, 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,” Chief Justice Ronald George wrote for the majority.

The ruling takes effect in 30 days.

“UPDATE: Guys this is awesome.”

The Times wants to know, when was the last time you received a love letter? In support of Four Letter Word, a new book coming out next month, sign up at Times Online and have a different love letter emailed to you every day for five days. The book itself will contain an exploration of the love letter by over forty celebrated writers: Neil Gaiman, Margaret Atwood, Douglas Coupland, and more. (thx neil)