The okay has been given to supporters of an initiative to legalize gay marriage in California to gather signatures to put the measure before voters in 2010.

If approved, the amendment to the California Constitution would nullify Proposition 8, which outlawed gay marriage.

Supporters, lead by the Sacramento group “Yes on Equality,” say the amendment would make it clear that it is not intended to modify or change the curriculum in any school or to mandate or require clergy of any church or religious institution to perform a service or duty inconsistent with his or her faith.

The proponent for this measure, listed as Charles Lowe with a phone number linked to Yes on Equality, must collect valid signatures from 694,354 registered voters -- the number equal to 8 percent of the total votes cast for governor in the 2006 election -- in order to qualify it for the ballot. The proponent has until Nov. 19 to circulate petitions for this measure.