Court Blocks California's Ban on Gay Marriage

A big win for gay rights in California, at least for now: In a 2-1 decision, a federal appeals court ruled that the state's ban on gay marriages is unconstitutional. Supporters of Proposition 8, which limits marriage to a man and a woman, plan to appeal, paving the way for a Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage as early as next year, reports the Los Angeles Times.

"Proposition 8 served no purpose, and had no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California," said the court. (More California stories.)