The California Supreme Court has unanimously denied a request to stay its gay-marriage decision until after the November election. By the same 4-3 majority that approved gay marriage on May 15, it also denied a request for a rehearing in the case.

According to an earlier decision by state officials, gay couples can begin marrying in the state on June 17. It's unclear whether today's announcement will move up that date.

On Monday, state officials certified for the November ballot a proposed state constitutional amendment that would limit marriage to one man and one woman. It's now clear that the vote will occur after several thousand gay couples in California and around the country will have gotten married.