SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The fight to legalize same-sex marriage is becoming a hot topic in this year's California governor's race.
Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom launched a new advertisement in which he highlights his involvement in legalizing same-sex marriage.
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It was 14 years ago Monday that Newsom, who was San Francisco mayor at the time, authorized the county clerk to issue marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples.
RELATED: 14th anniversary of SF's historic move to marry same-sex couples
Following is a timeline of how that decision eventually led to same-sex marriage becoming legal in the entire country.
2004
Feb. 12: San Francisco begins issuing same-sex marriage licenses.
Mar. 11: The California Supreme Court orders San Francisco to immediately stop performing same-sex marriages while it reviews the legality of Newsom's authority. San Francisco sues the state in San Francisco Superior Court, claiming the ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional.
Aug. 12: The state Supreme Court rules that San Francisco overstepped its authority by allowing same-sex marriages. The court voids all marriage certificates issued by the city.
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2005
May 15: The California Supreme Court overturns a state law that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. effectively legalizing same-sex marriage in the state.
June 17: Counties across California begin issuing same-sex marriage licenses.
Nov. 4: Voter approve Proposition 8, which again put an end to same-sex marriages in the state.
2012
Feb. 7: A three-judge panel of the Ninth District Court of Appeals rules that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional. Opponents of same-sex marriage appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
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2013
June 26: The U.S. Supreme Court dismisses the appeal. The next day, the court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) that prohibited same-sex couples from collecting federal benefits.
June 28: The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals lifts a stay on same-sex marriages. Counties resume issuing same-sex marriage licenses.
2015
June 26: The United States Supreme Court rules that states cannot ban same-sex marriage, making it legal in all 50 states.