Judges Appear Likely to Let Prop 8 Stand

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 5, 2009 7:40 PM CST
Judges Appear Likely to Let Prop 8 Stand
An opponent of Proposition 8 fights for space with a supporter during a demonstration in San Francisco, Thursday, March 5, 2009.   (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

It looks like California's ban on gay marriage will stand. Based on their questions today during arguments over Proposition 8, justices on the state's Supreme Court seem inclined to uphold the voters' decision in November, reports the Los Angeles Times. However, the justices also appeared willing to allow same-sex marriages that took place before the vote to remain valid. Their ruling is due in 90 days.

The judge who wrote last year's landmark decision to legalize gay marriage—the one overturned by Proposition 8—signaled the court's intent to uphold the ban, notes the San Francisco Chronicle. "There have been initiatives that have taken away rights from minorities by majority vote" in the past, said Chief Justice Ronald George. "Isn't that the system we have to live with?" (More California stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X