By Neil Heinen
Editorial Director

There are quite a few gay and lesbian couples getting married this week in California, the second state after Massachusetts to legalize same-sex marriage.

We'd like to say we're struck by the joy of these newlyweds. Except the joy seems so similar to that of other newlyweds. In fact, if you take away the television cameras and the odd protester it all seems rather ordinary.

It's not of course. What heightens the joy we witness is the long history of discrimination now at least temporarily legally ended.

Also extraordinary is the reality that there will be efforts to override the California Supreme Court decision with a new discriminatory law. But we believe history will reflect that this week is another step toward the inevitable day when we will recognize and accept the dignity and civil rights of all regardless of sexual orientation.

And while it still irritates that Wisconsin has chosen to deny that dignity and those rights, the day draws nearer, enlightened state by enlightened state.

What do you think? Give your two cents in Channel 3000's TALKBACK section.