Equality California leaders said that while they initially favored a 2010 initiative, subsequent polling and other research showed that such a measure would have a better chance of passing in 2012.

"There's no question that the community is not united on when to go forward," said Marc Solomon, marriage director of Equality California. "But we have a responsibility to present the best information and research we've gathered to the LGBT community."

They say the time will allow more time to make their case to voters, and will also allow a new generation - who are more receptive to equal marriage - to reach voting age.