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Calif. Supreme Court Hears Prop 8 Arguments

Court weighs constitutionality of ballot initiative, effect on couples married before the ban

By the Associated Press

Posted Mar 5, 2009 1:07 PM CST

(AP) – California Supreme Court justices heard arguments today on lawsuits seeking to overturn the state's voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage as thousands demonstrated outside the San Francisco courthouse. Gay-rights advocates are urging the court to overturn Proposition 8 on the grounds it was put before voters improperly, or at least prematurely. The measure's sponsors argue that it would be a miscarriage of justice for the court to overturn the results of a fair election.

The Supreme Court is hearing arguments on three points: Is Proposition 8 invalid because it constitutes a revision of, rather than an amendment to, the California constitution; does it violate the separation of powers doctrine; and if it's not unconstitutional, what is its effect, if any, on the marriages of same-sex couples performed before the adoption of Proposition 8? The Supreme Court's seven justices have 90 days after the oral arguments to issue a ruling.

Jacob Whipple, right, and Drew Cloud, of Salt Lake City, Utah, walk among demonstrators during a protest on the issue of Proposition 8 in San Francisco today. (AP Photo)

Demonstrators wave signs outside of City Hall during a protest on the issue of Proposition 8 in San Francisco today. (AP Photo)

Joseph Capley-Alfano, left, and his partner Frank Capley-Alfano shout slogans during a demonstration on the issue of Proposition 8 in San Francisco today. (AP Photo)

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Calif. Supreme Court Hears Prop 8 Arguments

Court weighs constitutionality of ballot initiative, effect on couples married before the ban

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'Poster Couple' for Gay Marriage Divorcing

Robin Tyler and Diane Olson married in California in 2008

Supreme Court's Move on Gay Marriage? Maybe Not

Prop 8 ruling is limited to California, providing a potential reason to skip

Court Blocks California's Ban on Gay Marriage

Declares Prop 8 unconstitutional, paving way for Supreme Court decision

Court to Rule on Prop 8 Today

Decision can still be appealed to larger panel, Supreme Court

Protesters Will Occupy Rose Parade

Will display giant banner, march in 'human float'

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Calif. Supreme Court Hears Prop 8 Arguments

Court weighs constitutionality of ballot initiative, effect on couples married before the ban

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

California • gay marriage • protests • California Supreme Court • separation of powers • Proposition 8 • Bill Maher Grid

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

'Poster Couple' for Gay Marriage Divorcing

Robin Tyler and Diane Olson married in California in 2008

Supreme Court's Move on Gay Marriage? Maybe Not

Prop 8 ruling is limited to California, providing a potential reason to skip

Court Blocks California's Ban on Gay Marriage

Declares Prop 8 unconstitutional, paving way for Supreme Court decision

Court to Rule on Prop 8 Today

Decision can still be appealed to larger panel, Supreme Court

Protesters Will Occupy Rose Parade

Will display giant banner, march in 'human float'

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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More News

What is Newser?