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November 22, 2008 3:00:13 CST

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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

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


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