'The California Supreme Court ruling ensures that all families are protected under state law,' said HRC's Joe Solmonese.

WASHINGTON - Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese made the following statement today as California's Supreme Court let stand a law that gives same-sex couples registered as domestic partners most of the basic rights and protections given to married opposite-sex couples:

"The California Supreme Court ruling ensures that all families are protected under state law. The law the court upheld is an important step toward equal rights and responsibilities for gay families in California. The ruling ensures California same-sex couples and their families with many of the fundamental securities that most Americans have. We're pleased the court is allowing this step toward equality to stand."