An initiative that could amend California's constitution to ban gay marriage has qualified for the November ballot and conservative religious and legal groups had asked the California Supreme Court to stop its order from becoming effective until after the election.

An initiative that would amend the state constitution to ban gay marriage has qualified for the ballot. Its passage would overrule the court's decision.

Wednesday's denial clears the way for gays and lesbians in the nation's most populous state to get married starting June 17, when state officials have said counties must start issuing new gender-neutral marriage licenses, AP reports.

Last update: 01-31-2009 14:27