California gay couples can marry, according the the State Supreme Court, which is great news. There is a threat of a referendum in November to ban it, however, but I imagine the lived experience of married couples will count for something by then. Society will not have crumpled, more people will be talking love and commitment and stability. A progressive pro-marriage referendum might not have the best odds, but I imagine it’s less likely that a referendum to strip people of their existing rights will succeed. Perhaps that’s wishful thinking.

In the meantime, on this side of the pond, the campaign to ensure that the forthcoming legislation is based on equality continues apace. Tonight there’s a fundraising “biggest drag haul ever” featuring Panti, Heidi Connt, Donegal Catch and many others at the Sugar Club, tonight at 7.30pm, in aid of the fabulous LGBT Noise.

And there’s a conference organized by the Irish School of Ecumenics entitled “Why Marriage? Love and Justice in 21st Century Ireland” coming up next week in Trinity College.