BREAKING: Prop 8 stay granted; California marriages on hold
Aug 16, 2010 at 06:36 pm
From Advocate.com:
Without explanation, the U.S. court of appeals for the ninth circuit has granted a stay in the Proposition 8 case, yet again delaying the possibility of marriages for same-sex couples seeking to wed in California.
The three-judge panel granted Prop. 8 supporters the stay, but it also expedited arguments. Arguments are scheduled for the week of December 6.
The decision is a disappointment though the expedited timeline for the appeal and the skepticism expressed about whether the Prop 8 proponents even have standing is encouraging.
In the coming months, to make the case, press hard, create the climate that enables the court to do its job -- matching the persuasion that will take place in the courts of law with the necessary persuasion in the court of public opinion.
UPDATE:
Statement from Evan Wolfson, Executive Director of Freedom to Marry, on the Ninth Circuit's ruling granting a stay in Perry v. Schwarzenegger:
Today's 9th Circuit order expediting appeal of Chief Judge Walker's persuasive decision striking down Prop 8 and maintaining a stay during the appellate review, is a disappointing delay for many Californians who hoped to celebrate the freedom to marry and full inclusion in society as soon as possible. But there are many twists in the road to justice, and we are encouraged by the court's setting a fast pace for the appeal, revealing that the judges understand how important a quick end to the exclusion from marriage is to gay couples, their loved ones, and all Americans who believe in equality under the law. While the lawyers make the case for the freedom to marry in the courts of law, we have more months in which to make our case in the court of public opinion. The evidence at trial overwhelmingly confirmed that there is no good reason for withholding the freedom to marry from committed couples, and the Governor, the Attorney General, a majority of Californians, and a majority of Americans agree with Judge Walker that the freedom to marry helps families, while hurting no one. Prop 8 should never have been on the ballot and we look forward to seeing its stain removed from the law books, as we push forward on other fronts across the country.