A ruling on Prop 8 from the California Supreme Court is expected today, according to the esteemed Adam Bink and the L.A. Times. You’ll remember, after federal court judge Vaughn Walker ruled last year Prop 8 was unconstitutional, the case was sent to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. That court then asked the California Supreme Court for a ruling on standing.
I know, very confusing, but the wheels of justice never seem to ride the freeways.
Here’s the L.A. Times take:
“The state high court, meeting in closed session, will review a request by the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to determine whether Proposition 8’s sponsors have legal authority to defend the ballot measure.
“Depending on the court’s ruling, the 9th Circuit could either dismiss the Proposition 8 appeal on procedural grounds — limiting the case’s effect to California — or rule on federal constitutional questions that would affect same-sex marriage throughout the country.
“A federal judge in San Francisco struck down Proposition 8 in August, ruling after a 12-day trial that the 2008 ballot measure violated equal protection guarantees under the U.S. Constitution. Experts testified during the trial that one’s sexual orientation was largely fixed and that matrimony benefits the families of gays and lesbians.
“California state officials refused to appeal the ruling. Now the 9th Circuit must determine whether Proposition 8’s sponsors, ProtectMarriage.com, have legal standing to challenge the trial court’s decision.”
LGBT POV has more details, and “the letters written to the California Supreme Court arguing the issue of standing.”
Stay tuned. It’s going to be an exciting day!