Judges Appear Likely to Let Prop 8 Stand

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 5, 2009 7:40 PM CST

(Newser) – 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?"

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)

California Supreme Court justice Joyce Kennard gestures during arguments. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, Pool)

Opponents and supporters of Proposition 8 converge in San Francisco, Thursday, March 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

An opponent of Proposition 8 has his sign blocked by supporters during a demonstration in San Francisco, Thursday, March 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

gay rights • California • gay marriage • court • Proposition 8 • Bill Maher Grid

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Married California Gays Face Lonely Future

Banning gay marriage but allowing existing unions will leave couples on 'marriage island'

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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

Key Ruling Due Today on Calif. Gay Marriage Ban

Judge to rule on gay colleague's decision striking down Prop. 8

Elton John: In US, I'm '2nd-Class Citizen'

Singer's getting angry about gay-marriage ban

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