California Readies for Wave of Gay Weddings Today

San Francisco officials are preparing for an expected tidal wave of weddings this evening as gay marriage officially becomes legal in California at 5pm. But celebrations could be short-lived if a November initiative blocks the court decision that paved the way for the marriages. The San Francisco Chronicle takes a look at California’s support of gay marriage, which at 51% is higher than ever—but so is the vehemence of the opposition.

While San Francisco's Bay Area residents "more than in any other region in the state are supportive of same-sex marriage," Californians overall "are deeply divided on this issue and have very strong differences along party lines," said one political analyst. (More gays stories.)