PANORAMA CITY, Calif., May 16, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The Chair of the Libertarian Party of California said the California Supreme Court decision regarding same-sex marriage was the right one, but that it is only a small victory in the larger battle against government interference in marriage.

Kevin Takenaga, chair of the Libertarian Party of California, issued the following statement:

``People who truly cherish freedom see the Supreme Court decision as a victory for liberty and common sense. There's no reason why consenting adults should not be allowed to marry so long as their arrangement doesn't interfere with any other individual's ability to live their life in any way they want to.

``Many supporters see the decision as a repudiation of bigotry and narrow-mindedness. But Libertarians also see it as a step towards a revision of the larger public policy issue surrounding marriage. Californians should start asking their elected officials why government is involved in granting marriage licenses at all.

``Adults should be allowed to arrange their personal, financial and legal affairs in any way that best suits their needs. Businesses make private contractual arrangements all the time. Arrangements in the name of marriage should be no different.''

About the Libertarian Party of California

The Libertarian Party of California has more than 50 public officeholders statewide. It also publishes the weekly Libertarian Perspective, an op-ed column authored by writers who strongly believe in freedom and individual liberty. Libertarians are socially tolerant and fiscally responsible, believe in personal freedom in both social and economic spheres, and in government small enough to protect those freedoms. For more information, visit the party's Website at http://www.ca.lp.org.

          Libertarian Party of California
          Media contact:
          Dan Minkoff
          (310) 486-4695
          media@ca.lp.org