California's Proposition 8 overturned

Passed by a 52.3 percent margin in November 2008, the ballot measure banned same-sex unions in the state. On Aug. 4, it was ruled unconstitutional. Prop. 8 supporters are expected to appeal the ruling.

San Francisco federal judge Vaughn Walker struck down Prop. 8, finding the California amendment that denied gays and lesbians the right to marry the partner of their choice unconstitutional. Walker noted in the ruling that Prop. 8 had no "rational basis" and perpetuated the notion that homosexual unions are inferior to heterosexual ones. He also stated that same-sex couples' desire to marry adheres to the United States' marriage history and traditions.



The judge put his decision on hold until he can hear arguments concerning its practical implementation, which means gays and lesbians won't be able to marry immediately. The move may prevent a situation similar to one that happened in early 2008, when 18,000 gay couples tied the knot after a California Supreme Court ruling briefly allowed same-sex marriages in the state. The ruling sparked Prop. 8 and a lot of confusion about the legality of the marriages once the measure passed. The state still recognizes those unions. It will also give officials time to evaluate what would happen to post-Prop. 8 same sex unions in the wake of a successful appeal.