Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

July 25, 2008 5:49:38 PM CDT

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Calif. Judge: Gay Marriage Decision My Toughest

Posted May 18, 08 12:05 PM CDT in US 

(Newser) – Long characterized as cautious, California’s Chief Justice Ronald George shocked his peers when he joined the majority to overturn the state’s ban on same-sex marriage. “I think there are times when doing the right thing means not playing it safe,” the moderate Republican said, calling the case the most difficult one of his 17 years on the court.

George likened same-sex restrictions to earlier bans on interracial marriage, recounting to the Los Angeles Times a childhood trip to the South in which he saw “No Negro” and “No colored” signs. "When is it that a court should act?" he asked. "When is it that a court is shirking its responsibility by not acting, and when is a court overreaching? That's a real conundrum."

Source Los Angeles Times

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • Gay Couples Seek Donations, Not Dinnerware

    Jul 15, 08 6:35 PM CDT
    Gay Couples Seek Donations, Not Dinnerware Soon-to-wed gays and lesbians in California are directing well-wishers to hold off on gifts and instead donate money to fight a measure that would nullify their unions, Reuters reports. "The usual notion of a huge reception or acquiring your first microwave is not really happening," says John Duran of Equality California, whose wedding registry site has raised thousands for the cause. More »

  • California Readies for Wave of Gay Weddings Today

    Jun 16, 08 4:52 AM CDT
    California Readies for Wave of Gay Weddings Today San Francisco officials are preparing for an expected tidal wave of weddings this evening as gay marriage officially becomes legal in California at 5pm. But celebrations could be short-lived if a November initiative blocks the court decision that paved the way for the marriages. The San Francisco Chronicle takes a look at California’s support of gay marriage, which at 51% is higher than ever—but so is the vehemence of the opposition. More »

  • Calif. Court Won't Stop Parade to Altar

    Jun 4, 08 2:24 PM CDT
    Calif. Court Won't Stop Parade to Altar The California Supreme Court shot down a request today to suspend its decision allowing same-sex marriages until after a November vote on a constitutional amendment that would overturn the May 15 ruling, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Couples can marry starting June 17, as scheduled. More »

  • Gay Marriage Foes Mobilize California Fight

    May 16, 08 4:03 AM CDT
    Gay Marriage Foes Mobilize California Fight Organizations staunchly opposed to same-sex unions are already mobilizing to reinstate a ban on gay marriages that was struck down yesterday by California's Supreme Court, reports the San Francisco Chronicle. The coalition intends to hammer home the fact that  four judges have "overturned the will" of millions of voters who approved the ban in a 2000 vote, said a spokeswoman for a conservative group in Sacramento. More »

California Supreme Court Justices from top left: Kathryn Mickle Werdegar, Carlos R. Moreno, Joyce L. Kennard, Marvin Baxter; from lower left: Ming Chin, Chief Justice Ronald M. George, Carol Corrigan.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
In this March 4, 2008 photo, California Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald M George listens to arguments in San Francisco.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
Ronald George addresses a joint session of the California Legislature during his annual State Of the Judiciary speech at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, March 25, 2008.   (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (1 of 3)

Tags

California  • marriage  • gay marriage  • gay rights  • court  • gay  • same-sex marriage  • California Supreme Court  • marriage rights  • interracial marriage  • Ronald George


Loading...

Loading...

Today's Most Popular


Other US Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Newser gives you more news in less time. We search for the best and most important stories all over the web, read them for you, and deliver concise and sharp summaries—along with links to the full text. Newser provides a way to stay on top of an ever-expanding horizon of news and opinion—politics, sports, business, trends, technology, personalities, crimes, and controversies. Newser keeps you not just better informed, but, with our signature graphic interface and smart condensed format, more enjoyably informed.

Learn more »