The California Supreme Court today ruled that the state’s ban on gay marriage violated the constitution, clearing the way for gay couples to begin marrying in the most populous state in the union in 30 days, when the ruling goes into effect. 

“Limiting the designation of marriage to a union ‘between a man and a woman’ is unconstitutional and must be stricken from the statute,” wrote California Chief Justice Ron George in the 4-3 majority opinion. In striking the ban, California joins Massachusetts as the only two U.S. states to grant full marriage rights to homosexual couples.

A person’s sexual orientation “does not constitute a legitimate basis upon which to deny or withhold legal rights,” the court determined.

According to CNN, “The ruling surprised legal experts because the court has a reputation for being conservative. Six of its seven judges are Republican appointees.”

In 2000, California voters approved a measure defining marriage as a union “between a man and a woman.” California lawmakers later voted to grant marriage rights to gay couples, but their decision was vetoed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzeneggar, who, according to AFP news services, “said that the matter is for the state’s court system to decide on.”

Following today’s ruling, however, Schwarzeneggar struck a different tone. “I respect the court’s decision, and as governor, I will uphold its ruling,” he said. “Also, as I have said in the past, I will not support an amendment to the constitution that would overturn this state Supreme Court ruling.”