San Francisco’s 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals is refusing to rehear the Proposition 8 case, California’s measure to allow only heterosexual couples to marry, in a move that leaves those in favor of marriage equality optimistic.
In February, a three-judge panel of that court ruled the measure unconstitutional. In its split decision, the panel found that Proposition 8 “works a meaningful harm to gays and lesbians” by denying their right to civil marriage in violation of the 14th Amendment.
Backers of the proposition had asked for a larger panel of judges to rehear the case. In a seven-page order Tuesday, the court refused.
The parties now have 90 days to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene. In the meantime, a stay on same-sex marriages in California will remain in place until the issue is exhausted in the courts.
Supporters of Proposition 8 vowed to appeal to the nation’s highest court.
So, we’ll see what happens during these next 90 days, though this is sure not to the best last we hear of it. But what does this mean for the future of Prop 8 and same-sex marriage in California? GaySocialites.com‘s Charles Winters will share his opinions on the ruling in a bit, so stay tuned.
In the meantime, click the logo for the full court ruling:
