The governor of California has signed two bills into law that provide benefits for married same-sex couples.

One bill recognizes same-sex marriages performed in other states during the five months last year that gay marriage was legal in The Golden State.

The other bill provides domestic partnership benefits for gay couples married in other states after Proposition 8 passed.

Conservative critics say Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's action on the two bills undermines the will of the people.

Last November, California voters passed Proposition 8, which defines marriage as only between a man and a woman.