Tension over the rights of gays and lesbians is growing. They say that marriage is a basic civil right to which they are entitled, but many Americans believe gay marriage violates religious commandments and undermines the family.

Today California’s voters approved an amendment to their state constitution that says only people of the opposite sex may marry. Similar measures have been adopted in 30 states.

Gay rights advocates vow to continue their fight. Last year they won a new ally. Mildred Loving, who with her husband, Richard, brought the Supreme Court case that legalized interracial marriage in 1967, declared, “I support the freedom to marry for all.”